No double standards in tackling terrorism, says Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday cautioned that there should be no double standards in tackling “State-sponsored” cross-border terrorism and said India demonstrated its “firm resolve” during Operation Sindoor that “terror epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment.”
His remarks were in an apparent reference to Pakistan backing various terror groups from its soil. Asserting these points at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Rajnath Singh also pitched for concerted global efforts to combat terrorism.
Incidentally, Pakistan is also part of the SCO grouping. Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are the other members. The SCO is a permanent interGovernmental international organisation focusing on regional security, politics, and economic cooperation.
Rajnath Singh underlined the need to forge a unified front to tackle the “evils” of terrorism, separatism and extremism by eliminating safe havens and rejecting any political exceptions. He asserted that the sight of State-sponsored cross-border terrorism, which attacks the sovereignty of a nation, must not be lost, as there is no place for double standards.
The defence minister emphasised that the SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who abet, shelter and provide safe havens to terrorists.
“By tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism without exception, we transform regional security from a challenge into a cornerstone for peace and prosperity,” he said.
Describing counter-terrorism as a foundational principle of the SCO, Rajnath Singh stated that the organisation has condemned such acts and ideologies in a common fight against the menace.
He recalled last year’s Tianjin Declaration, which brought out India’s firm and collective stance against terrorism, terming it as a testimony to the country’s zero-tolerance outlook towards terrorism and its perpetrators.
“The real test of collective credibility remains in consistency. We must not forget that terrorism has no nationality and no theology. Nations must take a firm and collective stance against terrorism,” he added.
The defence minister highlighted the significant role being played by the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the SCO, stating that the joint statement of the Heads of State on ‘Countering Radicalisation leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ issued during India’s Chairmanship symbolises shared commitment in this regard.
He further said, in view of the present global uncertainties, the SCO holds a pivotal role as today’s world view appears fractured and countries are becoming increasingly inward-looking.
“Do we need a new world order or a world which is more orderly? We need an order where every citizen of this world is treated with dignity and respect. We need an order where differences do not become disputes, and disputes don’t precede disasters.
The real crisis today is not of a non-existent order but a tendency to question the established rule-based world order. We must focus on a global consensus where co-existence, co-habitation and compassion take precedence over chaos, competition and conflict,” said Rajnath Singh.
He added that it is the responsibility of the SCO to ensure regional as well as global peace and stability. “We should continue to follow the path of dialogue and diplomacy and not of unrelenting force. We should not allow it to become an era of violence and war, but an era of peace and prosperity.
Let me recall the message of Mahatma Gandhi that an eye for an eye makes everyone blind, and before every action we must remember how that action can make a difference to the life of a poor and needy. As people responsible for defence and security, we have the responsibility to uphold this spirit of brotherhood and harmony. The real test of power is not in using it against the poor and the weak, but to use it in the interest of those who are unable to defend themselves,” Rajnath Singh said.
During the meeting, Rajnath Singh, along with member countries, held discussions on matters related to the aspects of security, terrorism and radicalisation affecting the region and its wider implications on the peace and tranquillity of the world.
The SCO members emphasised the symbolic significance of 2026, which marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the organisation and how its role is becoming more important than ever due to growing unpredictability and uncertainty.
