Dushanbe Oct 20 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to work together to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, asserting that there can be no justification for the menace and no double standards in tackling it.
Addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Singh said terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to peace, stability and development, as it claims innocent lives, disrupts investment and commerce, radicalises societies and deprives young people of opportunities.
“There can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it, no place for its supporters,” he said, stressing that those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists must be dealt with firmly.
Referring to the deliberations at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in August-September this year, Singh recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on concrete action by the organisation in the areas of security, connectivity and opportunities.
The Defence Minister said India believes that economic engagement within the SCO must be inclusive and mutually beneficial for all member states.
He underlined the importance of adhering to the principles of sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect, adding that the establishment of additional institutions does not automatically translate into better outcomes.
New mechanisms, he said, should address clearly identified needs, avoid duplication and focus on delivering practical benefits to member countries.
Singh also called for a coordinated response to the uncertain global economic environment, marked by geopolitical tensions, disruptions in trade and supply chains, concerns over energy and food security, and emerging technological divides.
He stressed the need to strengthen resilient supply chains, facilitate trade and investment, and harness technology to promote development across the region.
Reaffirming India’s support for the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030, Singh said the benefits of economic cooperation must reach all sections of society.
He welcomed the decisions taken at the Bishkek summit to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent bodies of the SCO, observing that their effectiveness would depend on efficient coordination and timely implementation.
On regional connectivity, Singh said India supports initiatives that link markets, facilitate trade and create new avenues for development. He highlighted the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port as important initiatives that can help connect Central Asia with wider markets.
However, he emphasised that connectivity projects must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
Projects that do not adhere to these principles, he said, would not be sustainable.
The minister also called for moving beyond physical infrastructure by simplifying customs procedures, promoting digital documentation, improving logistics and adopting interoperable digital solutions to reduce the cost of doing business across the region.
Singh highlighted a symposium on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia held in Mumbai earlier this month and thanked Central Asian countries and SCO partners for their participation. He also acknowledged the organisation of the first-ever SCO Asian Economic Dialogue.
Emphasising the need to make economic cooperation relevant to ordinary people, Singh said the organisation’s success should be assessed by the opportunities it creates for young people, the markets it opens for entrepreneurs and the technologies it makes available to farmers and small businesses.
“Our success should be measured by the opportunities we create for youth, new markets we open for our entrepreneurs, technologies we make available to our farmers and small-scale business owners, and the connections we foster among societies,” he said.
Singh cited India’s development experience as an example of how technology and innovation can drive growth and deliver practical solutions. He highlighted India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, which has transformed public service delivery and expanded financial inclusion.
He also referred to India’s large start-up ecosystem and its emphasis on women-led development, saying women play a defining role in shaping the country’s development trajectory.
The Defence Minister said India’s global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, contribute to affordable clean energy and climate-resilient development.
He also highlighted Mission LiFE, which promotes sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption, and the Global Biofuel Alliance, which seeks to advance cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Singh urged the SCO to build on the foundation established over the past 25 years and develop a forward-looking roadmap based on consensus-driven cooperation and tangible outcomes. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with all member states towards these objectives.
He also invited SCO member countries to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which India is scheduled to host later this year.
The meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation among SCO member states and discussed measures to strengthen collaboration in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development.
The heads of delegation adopted the joint communiqué of the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, along with the organisation’s budget for 2027, relevant financial and administrative decisions, and the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030.
The SCO Council of Heads of Government is an important mechanism of the organisation responsible for promoting economic and other forms of practical cooperation among member states.
India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017 and actively participates in its various mechanisms.—(NVI)
