Rajnath Singh Urges SCO Nations to Dismantle Entire Terrorism Ecosystem, Uphold Sovereignty in Connectivity Projects
DUSHANBE, October 20: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called upon member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt a unified approach to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, stressing that there could be no justification for the menace and no double standards in dealing with those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists.
Addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh described terrorism as one of the gravest threats to peace, stability and development, warning that it claims innocent lives, disrupts investment and trade, fuels radicalisation and deprives young people of opportunities.
“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,” he said, urging SCO members to work collectively against the threat.
Recalling the discussions at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in August-September 2026, Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had emphasised the need for concrete action by the organisation on security, connectivity and economic opportunities.
He reiterated India's position that economic cooperation within the SCO must be inclusive, mutually beneficial and guided by the principles of sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect.
Emphasising the need for an efficient and results-oriented organisation, Singh said the creation of additional institutions would not necessarily lead to greater achievements unless their functions addressed clearly identified requirements, avoided duplication and delivered practical benefits to member states.
Call for Stronger Economic Cooperation
Highlighting the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, supply-chain vulnerabilities, energy and food security concerns, and technological disparities, the Defence Minister called for stronger cooperation to address the increasingly uncertain global economic environment.
He stressed the need to build resilient supply chains, facilitate trade and investment, and harness technology to accelerate development, ensuring that the benefits of economic cooperation reach all sections of society.
Singh reaffirmed India's support for adopting an Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme (PMTEC) for 2026-2030.
He also 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. Their effectiveness, he said, would depend on efficient coordination and the timely implementation of assigned responsibilities.
Connectivity Must Respect Sovereignty
Underscoring the importance of regional connectivity in promoting shared prosperity, Singh said India supported initiatives that connect markets, facilitate trade and open new avenues for development.
He highlighted the potential of the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port in strengthening Central Asia's links with wider regional and international markets.
However, he stressed that connectivity initiatives must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
Projects that fail to adhere to these principles, he cautioned, would not be sustainable.
Calling for a broader approach to regional integration, Singh said SCO members must move beyond physical infrastructure by simplifying customs procedures, promoting digital documentation, improving logistics and adopting interoperable digital solutions to reduce the cost of doing business.
He also highlighted a symposium on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia held in Mumbai earlier this month, thanking Central Asian countries and SCO partners for their participation. He acknowledged the organisation of the first-ever SCO Asian Economic Dialogue as another step towards strengthening regional economic engagement.
Youth, Entrepreneurs and Farmers at the Centre
Singh said the SCO's achievements should be assessed by the tangible opportunities it creates for 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, the Defence Minister said technology and innovation had played a transformative role in accelerating economic growth and addressing public needs.
He cited India's Digital Public Infrastructure as an example of how technology could improve public service delivery and expand financial inclusion. He also highlighted the country's expanding start-up ecosystem and its emphasis on women-led development, noting the significant role of women in shaping the development process.
India Highlights Clean Energy and Climate Resilience
Singh highlighted India's international initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which promote affordable clean energy and climate-resilient development.
He said Mission LiFE encourages sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption, while the Global Biofuel Alliance supports the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Urging the SCO to build on the achievements of its first 25 years, Singh called for a forward-looking roadmap centred on consensus-based cooperation and measurable outcomes.
He reaffirmed India's commitment to working closely with all member states to advance the organisation's objectives and invited them to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, scheduled to be hosted by India later this year.
SCO Adopts Joint Communiqué
The meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation among SCO member states and discussed measures to strengthen collaboration in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development.
The heads of delegation adopted the Joint Communiqué of the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. The decisions included approval of the organisation's budget for 2027, relevant financial and administrative measures, and the PMTEC Action Plan for 2026-2030.
The SCO Council of Heads of Government is a key mechanism for promoting economic and other forms of practical cooperation among member states. India has been a full member of the organisation since 2017 and continues to participate actively in its various mechanisms. ANB
