Bishkek, Apr 28 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Operation Sindoor reflects India’s firm resolve that terror epicentres are no longer immune to “justifiable punishment”, and urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt a unified, zero-tolerance approach against terrorism.
Addressing the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Bishkek, Rajnath Singh called for eliminating safe havens and rejecting any political exceptions for terrorists and their backers, asserting that “there is no place for double standards” in dealing with state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
He stressed that SCO should not hesitate to take appropriate action against those who “abet, shelter and provide safe havens to terrorists”, adding that a consistent and collective stance is key to the grouping’s credibility.
“Terrorism has no nationality and no theology. Nations must take a firm and collective stance,” he said, underlining India’s zero-tolerance policy.
Singh said counter-terrorism remains a foundational principle of SCO and highlighted the need for greater cooperation to tackle radicalisation, extremism and separatism amid growing global uncertainty.
Emphasising dialogue and diplomacy, he said the world must prioritise “co-existence, co-habitation and compassion over chaos, competition and conflict”, while calling on SCO members to work towards ensuring regional and global peace and stability.
The minister reiterated India’s commitment to constructive engagement within SCO, saying enhanced mutual trust and cooperation can make the organisation a “beacon of peace”(NVI)
