India Calls for Collective Action Against Terrorism at SCO Meeting

Dushanbe, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Dushanbe, highlighting terrorism as one of the gravest threats to peace and development. He stressed that terrorism not only endangers innocent lives but also disrupts investment and trade, pushing society towards radicalism and depriving youth of their rightful opportunities.

During his speech, Singh made it clear that terrorism can never be justified under any circumstances. He condemned the double standards often seen in addressing terrorism, asserting that there should be no support or safe havens for those who fund or harbor terrorists.

Singh emphasized the need for a robust and collective effort to dismantle the entire terrorism framework. He recalled discussions from the SCO summit held in Bishkek, where leaders reviewed the organization’s 25-year journey. This gathering served as a moment to reflect on past achievements while also setting a course for the future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously called for concrete actions in the areas of security, connectivity, and opportunity.

The Defense Minister noted that these three pillars reinforce each other. Security fosters investment opportunities, connectivity boosts trade, and together they create new prospects for people. He expressed India’s desire for an SCO that operates on consensus among member states and delivers tangible results, reaffirming India’s commitment to work collaboratively with all member nations.

Singh welcomed the decisions made in Bishkek to establish permanent SCO institutions in Tashkent and Dushanbe, aimed at combating drug trafficking. He pointed out that the effectiveness of these institutions depends on their coordination and the speed at which they accomplish their tasks. Enhanced coordination and effective action among member states are essential to address regional security challenges.

On economic cooperation, Singh advocated for inclusive economic participation among member countries that benefits all. He urged nations to focus on creating resilient supply chains, facilitating trade and investment, and leveraging technology for development.

He stressed that the benefits of economic cooperation should reach all segments of society. India supports the adoption of a multilateral trade and economic cooperation program for the period from 2026 to 2030. The goal of economic progress should extend beyond increasing trade; it should also ensure that its benefits are widely shared.

Singh highlighted the importance of connectivity for shared prosperity. India backs connectivity projects that link markets, ease trade, and create new development opportunities. He cited initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar Port, which can significantly connect Central Asia to broader markets.

However, he clarified that connectivity projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all involved nations. Projects that fail to honor these principles cannot be sustainable. Singh also mentioned a recent seminar in Mumbai focused on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia, expressing gratitude for the active participation of Central Asian countries and SCO partner nations.

Additionally, he noted that this seminar coincided with the first SCO Asian Economic Dialogue, aimed at promoting regional economic cooperation.