Dushanbe, Oct 20: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to work together to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, asserting that there can be no justification for the menace and no double standards in addressing it.
Addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh said terrorism posed a grave threat to peace, development and economic prosperity.
“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,” he said.
“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 added.
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 action by the organisation on security, connectivity and opportunities.
He reiterated India’s commitment to inclusive and mutually beneficial economic engagement among member states, stressing that the SCO must adhere to the principles of sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect.
“A greater number of institutions does not necessarily translate into greater achievements,” Singh said, adding that new mechanisms should address clearly identified needs, avoid duplication and deliver practical benefits to member states.
Highlighting the uncertain global economic environment marked by geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and concerns over energy and food security, Singh called for stronger supply chains, increased trade and investment, and greater use of technology to drive development.
He also reaffirmed India’s support for the adoption of an Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030.
On regional connectivity, Singh said India supported 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 avenues for connecting Central Asia with wider markets.
However, he stressed that connectivity projects must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
“Projects not founded on these principles will not be sustainable,” he said, calling for simplified customs procedures, digital documentation, improved logistics and interoperable digital solutions to reduce the cost of doing business.
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. Their effectiveness, he said, would depend on efficient coordination and timely implementation.
Highlighting India’s development experience, the Defence Minister said technology and innovation could drive economic growth and improve public service delivery. He cited India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, its start-up ecosystem and initiatives promoting women-led development as examples of technology-driven progress.
He also referred to India’s global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE and the Global Biofuel Alliance, saying they contributed to clean energy, climate resilience and sustainable development.
“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,” Singh said.
He urged the SCO to build on its achievements over the past 25 years and pursue a forward-looking agenda focused on consensus-driven cooperation and tangible outcomes. He also invited member states to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which India will host later this year.
The meeting reviewed progress in economic and trade cooperation among SCO member states 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 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, along with the organisation’s budget for 2027 and the PMTEC Action Plan for 2026-2030.
India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017 and actively participates in its mechanisms for promoting economic and practical cooperation among member states.
