News Desk: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for a united international effort to combat terrorism, delivering a strong message in the presence of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishaq Dar at the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Singh said terrorism threatens regional peace, economic development and the safety of ordinary citizens. He stressed that there could be no justification for terrorism and no double standards in dealing with those who finance, support or provide shelter to terrorist groups.
“Terrorism results in the loss of innocent lives and disrupts investment and commerce,” Singh said, underlining the wider social and economic consequences of extremist violence. His remarks were widely seen as a pointed message to Pakistan over India’s longstanding concerns about cross-border terrorism.
The defence minister called for the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism to be dismantled collectively. He argued that terrorism not only claims innocent lives but also radicalises societies and deprives young people of opportunities.
Singh also highlighted India’s concerns over regional connectivity projects, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. India has consistently opposed the corridor because parts of it pass through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which New Delhi considers Indian territory under Pakistan’s occupation.
Emphasising the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity, Singh said connectivity initiatives must be based on consultation and respect for the rights of all countries. He warned that projects that disregard these principles would not be sustainable.
At the same time, Singh called for stronger regional trade and economic cooperation. He highlighted the International North-South Transport Corridor and Iran’s Chabahar Port as important routes that could connect Central Asia with wider international markets and create fresh opportunities for trade.
He also urged SCO member states to simplify customs procedures, promote digital documentation, improve logistics and adopt compatible digital systems to reduce the cost of doing business across the region.
Singh said economic cooperation should benefit all participating countries and stressed the importance of sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect within the organisation.
The meeting also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development. Singh pointed to geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and concerns over energy and food security as challenges requiring coordinated international responses.
India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO in June 2017. The organisation provides a platform for regional dialogue on security, economic cooperation and development, although differences between member countries continue to shape its discussions.
Singh’s address reinforced India’s position that counterterrorism efforts must be consistent and collective, while regional economic partnerships must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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