NSA Ajit Doval Addresses Terrorism at SCO Meeting in China

At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval addressed the pressing issue of terrorism, highlighting the need for accountability and action against cross-border threats. He criticized the double standards in combating terrorism, particularly referencing Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorist activities. Doval's remarks included a call for dismantling terrorist infrastructures and emphasized that all acts of terrorism are crimes against humanity. His advocacy for a joint information campaign to tackle terrorism and extremism underscores India's commitment to national security. This article delves into Doval's significant statements and their implications for regional security.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2025, 18:04 IST

Doval Highlights Double Standards in Combating Terrorism

During his participation in a conference of top national security officials from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval raised concerns about the "double standards" in addressing terrorism. He indirectly referenced Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism, asserting that any act of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, constitutes a crime against humanity.

On Tuesday, Doval urged the SCO to hold accountable the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of cross-border terrorism, a call widely interpreted as a demand for action against Pakistan-backed terrorism. In his address at the SCO meeting, he expressed India's deep concern regarding the persistent threats posed by UN-designated terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and their affiliates.

Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Doval noted that New Delhi initiated Operation Sindoor to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent further attacks on Indian soil. He highlighted that this operation was a direct response to the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Indians and one Nepali citizen, with several others injured, attributed to a proxy group of LeT.

Doval emphasized that India's actions were "measured and non-provocative." He called for the abandonment of double standards in the fight against terrorism and stressed the need for decisive action against UN-designated terrorists and their supporters, including LeT and JeM.

He specifically urged for the dismantling of the terrorist infrastructure and ecosystem associated with these groups. Doval reiterated that any act of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, is a crime against humanity. He called upon SCO members to hold accountable the criminals, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of cross-border terrorist acts and to bring them to justice. Additionally, he advocated for a "joint information campaign" to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism.