Urges action against terror networks, their backers
Dushanbe, October 20: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to take unified and concrete action to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, asserting that there can be no justification for the menace and no double standards in tackling it.
Addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh described terrorism as one of the gravest threats to peace and development, urging member countries to target not only terrorists but also those who finance, support or provide safe havens to them.
“Terrorism results in the loss of innocent lives and disrupts investment and commerce. It radicalises societies and deprives youth of the opportunities they rightfully deserve. There can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it, and no place for those who finance, support, or provide safe havens to terrorists,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister’s remarks placed collective security and coordinated counterterrorism efforts at the centre of India’s engagement with the regional grouping, while also highlighting the need for practical economic cooperation, sustainable connectivity and development opportunities for all member states.
Recalling the deliberations at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in August-September 2026, Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had underlined the need for concrete steps by the organisation on security, connectivity and opportunity.
Singh reiterated India’s position that economic engagement among SCO members must be inclusive and mutually beneficial. He stressed that the organisation should remain committed to sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect.
“A greater number of institutions does not necessarily translate into greater achievements. New mechanisms should focus on clearly identified needs, avoid duplication, and prioritise delivering practical value to Member States,” he said.
Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, disruptions to trade and supply chains, energy and food security concerns, and emerging technological divides, Singh called for greater coordination among member states to translate consensus into tangible outcomes.
He underlined the importance of resilient supply chains, increased trade and investment, and the use of technology to accelerate development. India also reaffirmed its support for adopting an Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030.
Highlighting connectivity as a key driver of regional prosperity, Singh said India supports initiatives that link markets, facilitate trade and create new avenues for development.
He cited the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port as important initiatives that could strengthen Central Asia’s links with wider international markets.
However, he emphasised that connectivity projects must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. Projects that do not adhere to these principles, he said, would not be sustainable.
Singh also called for a broader approach to regional connectivity that goes beyond physical infrastructure. He stressed the need to simplify customs procedures, promote digital documentation, improve logistics and adopt interoperable digital solutions to reduce the cost of doing business across the region.
The Defence Minister highlighted the symposium on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia, held in Mumbai earlier this month, and thanked Central Asian countries and SCO partners for their participation. He also acknowledged the organisation of the first-ever SCO Asian Economic Dialogue.
Singh said the SCO’s success should be measured by the practical opportunities it creates for people across member countries, particularly young people, entrepreneurs, farmers and small businesses.
“Our success should be measured by the opportunities we create for youth, new markets we open for our entrepreneurs, technologies we make available to our farmers and small-scale business owners, and the connections we foster among societies,” he said.
Highlighting India’s development experience, Singh pointed to the role of technology and innovation in driving economic growth and improving public service delivery.
He cited India’s Digital Public Infrastructure as an example of technology-led transformation that has expanded access to public services and enhanced financial inclusion. He also highlighted the country’s large start-up ecosystem and its emphasis on women-led development.
According to Singh, inclusive growth and stronger connections among societies should remain central to the SCO’s long-term development agenda.
The Defence Minister also highlighted India’s international initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy and climate-resilient development.
He referred to the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure as initiatives contributing to affordable clean energy and stronger infrastructure against climate-related risks.
Singh also highlighted Mission LiFE, which promotes sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption, and the Global Biofuel Alliance, which seeks to foster cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
He urged SCO members to build on the organisation’s achievements over the past 25 years and develop a forward-looking roadmap centred on consensus-driven cooperation and measurable results.
Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with all member states and invited them to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which India is scheduled to host later this year.
The 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen collaboration in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development.
The Heads of Delegation adopted the Joint Communiqué of the meeting, along with the SCO budget for 2027 and relevant financial and administrative decisions. They also adopted the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030.
Singh welcomed the decisions taken at the SCO Summit in Bishkek to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent bodies of the organisation. He said their effectiveness would depend on efficient coordination and timely implementation of their tasks.
The SCO Council of Heads of Government is an important mechanism for promoting economic cooperation and other areas of practical collaboration among member states.
India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017 and continues to participate actively in the organisation’s various mechanisms.
