India, on Tuesday (April 28, 2026), called for a “united front” to tackle the “evils” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism by eliminating safe havens and rejecting any political exceptions, targeting Pakistan without naming it.
In this regard, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cited the May 2025 Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated the nation’s “resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment.”
Without naming Pakistan, Rajnath Singh told the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting at Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan 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.
“Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment,” the Indian Defence Minister said, addressing the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
Emphasising that SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who abet, shelter, and provide safe havens to terrorists, he said, “By tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism without exception, we transform regional security from a challenge into a cornerstone for peace and prosperity.”
Describing counter-terrorism as a foundational principle of 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 Indian Defence Minister highlighted the significant role being played by the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of 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 stated that, in view of the present global uncertainties, SCO plays a pivotal role, as today’s worldview appears fractured and countries are becoming increasingly inward-looking.
“Do we need a new world order or a more orderly world? 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,” he said.
Rajnath Singh added that it is the SCO’s responsibility to ensure regional and 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.”
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s message that an eye for an eye makes everyone blind, he said that “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,” he added.
Rajnath Singh also voiced India’s belief that the SCO possessed the requisite strength and resolve to significantly contribute towards peace and stability. The ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (World is One Family) embodied this sense of togetherness, overcoming all differences of race and religion, he said.
Reiterating India’s commitment to contribute constructively to the implementation of the SCO’s mandate, he advocated greater cooperation and mutual trust among member states based on equality, mutual respect, and deeper understanding, which could make the organisation a beacon of hope and peace.
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.