Rajnath Singh Calls For Collective Action Against Terrorism At SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting, calling for stronger collective action against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He urged member countries to eliminate safe havens for terror groups and reject any form of political justification for such activities.

Speaking at the meeting, Singh said that India’s recent counter-terror operation, referred to as “Operation Sindoor,” demonstrated that terrorism-linked centres are no longer beyond accountability. He emphasised that countries supporting or sheltering terrorist networks must face unified global pressure, and warned against selective or inconsistent approaches in dealing with terrorism across regions.

The Defence Minister stressed that terrorism, separatism, and extremism should be addressed without exception, describing them as interconnected threats to regional and global stability. He said the SCO has consistently recognised the danger posed by such activities and highlighted the importance of the organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in strengthening cooperation among member states.

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Singh also underscored that state-sponsored cross-border terrorism continues to undermine the sovereignty of nations. He called for a firm and coordinated stance, stating that terrorism has no nationality or ideology and must not be justified under any circumstances. He further referred to previous SCO declarations, including the Tianjin Declaration, as evidence of shared commitment among member countries to combat terrorism.

During his address, Singh broadened the discussion to global governance, questioning the need for a “new world order” versus a more orderly and cooperative international system. He said the global focus should be on dignity, coexistence, and compassion, rather than conflict and competition. He added that dialogue and diplomacy should remain the primary tools for resolving disputes.

The Defence Minister also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, stating that peace and stability should guide international action. He said defence and security leaders have a responsibility to ensure that power is used to protect the vulnerable rather than escalate conflict. Singh reiterated India’s belief in the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or the idea that the world is one family.

The SCO meeting included discussions on security challenges, radicalisation, and their impact on global peace. Member states also noted the upcoming 25th anniversary of the organisation in 2026, highlighting the SCO’s growing relevance amid rising global uncertainty. Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation within the bloc to promote stability and mutual trust among member nations.

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