Rajnath Singh says no double standards in tackling terrorism at SCO meet

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for collective action against terrorism, saying there could be no justification for it and no double standards in tackling the threat. He made the remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in the presence of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Singh described terrorism as “one of the gravest threats to development”, warning that its impact extends beyond the loss of lives to investment, trade and economic activity.

“Terrorism radicalises societies and keeps our youth devoid of opportunities that they deserve,” Singh said.

He stressed that countries must act against all those who enable terrorist activities, including individuals and organisations that provide financial support or safe havens.

“So, there can be no justification for terrorism. There can be no double standards in tackling it. There can be no space for people who finance and support terrorists or provide them a safe haven. The entire ecosystem of terrorism should be ended strongly and collectively,” he said.

Dar was seated across the table from Singh during the meeting. Pakistan’s foreign ministry also shared a video showing the two leaders at the same table.

Singh is representing India at the SCO meeting, which brings together leaders and representatives from member countries to discuss regional cooperation and shared concerns.

India has consistently argued that action against terrorism must also address those who support, finance or shelter terrorist groups. New Delhi maintains that terrorists and those who harbour them cannot be treated separately.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also called for coordinated action against terrorist networks at an SCO meeting in September, attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, among other leaders.

“We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens,” PM Modi said.

Singh is on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan to represent India at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting.

According to news agency PTI, he received a ceremonial welcome at Dushanbe airport on arrival. Tajikistan’s Defence Minister Emomali Sobirzoda and Sherali Jonon of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present to receive him.