Defense Minister Rajnath Singh Urges United SCO Action Against Terrorism at Defence Ministers’ Meet in China.
Qingdao, China:
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Qingdao, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a firm and unambiguous message calling for collective and decisive action against terrorism, asserting that every act of terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable, irrespective of its origin or intent. The address outlined India’s evolving counter-terrorism strategy and emphasized multilateral cooperation in the face of modern threats.
Key Highlights:
- “Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the hands of non-state actors,” Rajnath Singh stated.
- Emphasizing accountability, he called for bringing to justice the perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism, including those engaging in cross-border terror.
- Singh denounced double standards in dealing with terrorism and highlighted the need for SCO nations to condemn state-sponsored terrorism without hesitation.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Assertive Counter-Terror Response
The Minister revealed details of Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, carried out by The Resistance Front, a proxy of the UN-designated terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- “Victims were targeted based on religious profiling. India exercised its sovereign right to self-defence and demonstrated that the **epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe. We will not hesitate to target them,” he declared.
Radicalisation & Technological Threats
Rajnath Singh urged SCO countries to adopt proactive steps against radicalisation, particularly among the youth, highlighting the importance of the RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) mechanism.
He warned of emerging tech-enabled threats, including the use of drones for cross-border trafficking of weapons and narcotics, and stressed that traditional borders are insufficient in today’s interconnected world.
Broader Security Challenges
Beyond terrorism, the Raksha Mantri addressed non-traditional security threats like:
- Cyber attacks
- Hybrid warfare
- Pandemics
- Climate change
- Food and water insecurity
He emphasized India’s global initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which focuses on infrastructure risk management and humanitarian assistance.
India’s Global Outlook & Multilateralism
Singh described globalisation’s decline and the weakening of multilateral systems as significant geopolitical concerns. He advocated for reformed multilateralism, based on dialogue and cooperation, to prevent future conflicts.
“India’s motto of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, rooted in our philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, should guide our collective global response,” he stated.
Afghanistan, Connectivity & Regional Stability
Reiterating India’s support for a stable Afghanistan, Singh spoke about India’s developmental assistance and capacity-building efforts. He also emphasized the need for better connectivity with Central Asia, highlighting that such initiatives must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of SCO member states.
India’s Vision: SAGAR & MAHASAGAR
He concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to regional growth and security through initiatives like:
- SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
- MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)
Singh called for greater mutual trust among SCO nations and a collective approach to solving the pressing issues of the present day.
“We must act in unison to strengthen security and stability in our neighbourhood. The safety of our citizens and the future of our region depend on our cooperation today,” he asserted, underscoring India’s readiness to lead and collaborate in building a secure, peaceful and prosperous regional order.
