Rajnath Singh at SCO Summit in China Urges Collective Counter-Terrorism Effort

Beijing, China – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh firmly reiterated India’s stance on zero tolerance for terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China. Speaking to fellow defence ministers at the SCO summit China, Singh highlighted that peace, security, and development will not be able to go side by side with terrorism and extremism.

“We need to join hands in the struggle against terrorism for our common security and stability in the region,” he stated.

Addressing the SCO high-level summit in China, Rajnath Singh expressed grave concerns regarding state-sponsored terrorism, calling upon SCO members to bridge the trust deficit and take collective action against cross-border terrorism.

Rajnath Singh in China: Veiled Reference to Pakistan-Based Terror Groups

Referring indirectly to no country, however, Singh clearly mentioned Pakistan-supported elements by invoking the recent Pahalgam terror strike, which bore the hallmark of past operations carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba.

“The modus operandi of the Pahalgam attack was similar to that of Lashkar-e-Taiba,” he said, reflecting India’s persistent threat perception from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

He also reaffirmed that nations should be internationally held accountable for employing terrorism as a strategic tool, terming terrorism as “a serious threat to peace and international security.”

Operation Sindoor and Regional Counter-Terror Coordination

Singh also alluded to India’s recent Operation Sindoor, which testified to the preparedness of India’s military and the country’s regional role. He urged SCO members to enhance coordination with each other to combat terrorism and extremism in good faith and without double standards.

We appeal to the international community to act uniformly and hold the terrorists, their financers, and their patrons accountable,” Singh said.

Conclusion: SCO Needs to Close Peace and Security Gap

As Rajnath Singh in the SCO summit pointed out, the world cannot afford uneven methods of combating terror. He appealed to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to remain resolute in defending global peace and security by eradicating terrorism in all its forms.