‘No Double Standards on Terrorism’: Rajnath Singh at SCO Meet Attended by Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday urged Shanghai Cooperation Organisation members to reject double standards on terrorism and collectively dismantle the networks that finance, support and shelter terrorists.

Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh described terrorism as one of the most serious threats to peace and development. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was present at the gathering.

“There should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism, and no place for those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists. The entire ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly and collectively dismantled,” Singh said.

He stressed that there could be no justification for terrorism and highlighted its wider social and economic consequences.

“Terrorism not only causes the loss of innocent lives but also disrupts investment and commerce. It radicalises society and deprives our youth of the opportunities they deserve,” he said.

WARNING AGAINST CROSS-BORDER TERRORISM

The remarks followed Singh’s October 15 warning that further terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan would invite a stronger response from India.

Speaking at the Times Network Defence Conclave in New Delhi, he said India’s preference for dialogue, coexistence and peaceful resolution of disputes should not be mistaken for weakness.

“Operation Sindoor, Balakot Airstrikes and Surgical Strikes weren’t just military operations; they symbolised a decisive shift in the nation’s approach, moving from diplomatic condemnation to proactive action aimed at rooting out terrorism by reaching its very source,” Singh said.

He described military strength and preparedness as essential to preserving peace and safeguarding India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.

MEETINGS WITH TAJIK AND IRANIAN LEADERS

On the sidelines of the SCO gathering, Singh met Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda and Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.

In his meeting with Rosulzoda, Singh highlighted the longstanding civilisational relationship and people-to-people links between India and Tajikistan, according to his post on X.

He also announced his meeting with Aref, without providing details of their discussions.

Earlier, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon welcomed Singh and other SCO representatives at the Palace of the Nation in Dushanbe.

REGIONAL COOPERATION ON AGENDA

Singh is representing India at the meeting, which is focused on cooperation in culture, connectivity, the economy, innovation, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

According to the Ministry of Defence, participants will also review the grouping’s financial and institutional functioning.

The ministry highlighted India’s contributions to SCO initiatives involving start-ups, digital public infrastructure and cultural exchanges, saying the gathering offered an opportunity to advance practical cooperation among member countries.

With inputs from ANI