Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) member states to unite against terrorism and dismantle its entire support network, including those who finance, shelter and assist terrorist groups.
Addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Tuesday, Singh described terrorism as one of the gravest threats to peace, stability and development, warning against double standards in tackling the menace.
“There can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it, and no place for those who finance, support, or provide safe havens to terrorists,” he said.
Singh said terrorism claims innocent lives, disrupts investment and commerce, fuels radicalisation and deprives young people of opportunities.
Recalling the discussions at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in August–September 2026, Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for concrete action on security, connectivity and economic opportunities.
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusive economic engagement and urged the organisation to uphold sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect. He cautioned that creating more institutions would not necessarily produce better results, stressing that new mechanisms must address clearly identified needs, avoid duplication and deliver practical benefits.
Connectivity must respect sovereignty:
Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, Singh said India supports initiatives that link markets, facilitate trade and expand development opportunities. He identified the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port as important avenues for connecting Central Asia with wider markets.
However, he stressed that connectivity projects must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, warning that initiatives lacking these principles would not be sustainable.
He also called for moving beyond physical infrastructure by simplifying customs procedures, promoting digital documentation, improving logistics and adopting interoperable digital solutions to reduce regional trade costs.
Focus on economic resilience and development:
Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, disrupted supply chains, energy and food security concerns, and widening technological divides, Singh urged SCO members to strengthen supply-chain resilience, facilitate trade and investment, and harness technology for development.
He reiterated India’s support for the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026–2030, emphasising that the gains from regional cooperation must reach all sections of society.
Singh welcomed the decisions taken at the Bishkek summit to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent SCO bodies. He said their effectiveness would depend on efficient coordination and timely implementation.
He also highlighted the symposium on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia, held in Mumbai earlier this month, and acknowledged the participation of Central Asian countries and SCO partners, alongside the organisation of the first SCO Asian Economic Dialogue.
Technology, youth and entrepreneurship at the centre:
Emphasising that the success of the SCO should be measured by tangible benefits for its people, Singh called for greater opportunities for young people, expanded markets for entrepreneurs and improved access to technology for 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.
He cited India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, its expanding start-up ecosystem and its emphasis on women-led development as examples of how technology and innovation can promote inclusive growth.
Singh also highlighted India’s global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE and the Global Biofuel Alliance, describing them as contributions to clean energy, climate resilience and sustainable development.
SCO adopts 2027 budget and economic cooperation action plan:
Calling for a forward-looking roadmap built on consensus and measurable outcomes, Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with all SCO member states. He also invited them to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which India will host later this year.
The meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation and discussed ways to deepen collaboration in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development.
The heads of delegation adopted the Joint Communiqué of the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting, along with the organisation’s 2027 budget, relevant financial and administrative decisions, and the PMTEC Action Plan for 2026–2030.
India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017 and continues to participate actively in its mechanisms for regional economic cooperation and practical collaboration.
