Dushanbe: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called on member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to take coordinated action against terrorism, describing it as a serious threat to peace, stability and development.
Addressing the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh said terrorism causes loss of innocent lives while also damaging investment, disrupting trade and commerce, encouraging radicalisation and limiting opportunities for young people.
“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.
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was also present at the gathering as the Indian minister delivered his remarks.
Singh called for efforts to dismantle the broader ecosystem that enables terrorism, emphasising that countries must adopt a consistent approach towards those who finance or assist terrorist groups.
What Did Rajnath Singh Say About SCO Cooperation?
Referring to the SCO Summit held in Bishkek in August-September, Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stressed the need for concrete action on security, connectivity and opportunities for people across the region.
The Defence Minister said economic engagement among member states should be inclusive and mutually beneficial. He also urged the organisation to remain effective and follow the principles of sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect.
Singh called on member countries to translate agreements into practical outcomes, particularly as the global economy faces geopolitical tensions, disruptions to trade and supply chains, energy and food security concerns, and widening technological gaps.
He supported the adoption of the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030, aimed at strengthening cooperation among SCO members.
Singh also welcomed the decision taken in Bishkek to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent bodies of the organisation.
India Backs Connectivity Projects With Conditions
On regional connectivity, Singh said India supported initiatives that link markets and facilitate trade. He cited the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port as routes that could help connect Central Asia with wider markets.
However, he stressed that connectivity initiatives must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries involved.
“Projects not founded on these principles will not be sustainable,” he said.
Singh also argued that regional connectivity should extend beyond building physical infrastructure. Simplified customs procedures, digital documentation and better logistics, he said, were necessary to reduce the cost of doing business and improve cross-border trade.
Digital Infrastructure And Youth Opportunities In Focus
Highlighting India’s experience, Singh pointed to the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure and start-up ecosystem as examples of how technology and innovation could support economic participation.
He said the success of regional cooperation should be assessed through the opportunities created for young people, the markets opened for entrepreneurs, the technologies made accessible to farmers and small businesses, and stronger links between societies.
The remarks placed employment, entrepreneurship and access to technology alongside security and infrastructure as priorities for regional cooperation.
What Was Discussed At The SCO Heads Of Government Meeting?
The meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation and considered ways to expand collaboration in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development.
Delegation heads adopted a joint communiqué covering the discussions, along with the SCO budget for 2027 and various financial and administrative decisions. The 2026-2030 action plan for multilateral trade and economic cooperation was also adopted.
The meeting brought together representatives of SCO member states to discuss shared economic priorities at a time of global uncertainty, with Singh emphasising that regional cooperation must deliver practical benefits while maintaining respect for national sovereignty.
