Rajnath Singh Urges SCO to Condemn Terrorism Following Pahalgam Attack

Defence Minister Calls for Unified Action Against Terrorism

Qingdao (China): During a recent meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged member nations to strongly denounce the heinous Pahalgam terror attack that occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, India. He emphasized that all acts of terrorism are 'criminal and unjustifiable.'

In his speech, Singh reflected on the tragic incident from April 22, where 26 tourists lost their lives due to an attack by 'The Resistance Front,' a faction linked to the Pakistan-based terrorist organization, Lashkar-e-Taiba.

He noted that the attack's modus operandi resembled previous assaults carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba in India.

Singh highlighted India's proactive measures, stating that on May 7, 2025, the country launched 'Operation Sindoor' aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure across borders.

He reiterated the necessity of holding accountable those responsible for financing and organizing acts of terrorism, stressing that such actions are indefensible, regardless of their motivations.

The Defence Minister called for a collective condemnation of terrorism from SCO members, urging a united front against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) among non-state actors and terrorist groups.

He pointed out that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism, citing radicalization and extremism as significant challenges in the region.

Singh stated, 'The primary issues we face are linked to peace, security, and a trust deficit, with radicalization and extremism at their core.'

He asserted that those who exploit terrorism for their own interests must face repercussions.

Singh warned that nations employing cross-border terrorism as a state policy should be held accountable, advocating for the SCO to openly criticize such practices.

Reaffirming India's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, he stated, 'Our actions reflect this commitment, including our right to defend ourselves. We will not hesitate to target the epicenters of terrorism.'

He emphasized the importance of global efforts to combat youth radicalization, noting the role of the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in coordinating counter-radicalization initiatives.

Singh mentioned the joint statement from India's chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State, which focused on countering radicalization leading to terrorism.

He urged member states to address the misuse of modern technology by terrorists, particularly the use of drones for smuggling.

In today's interconnected world, he explained, traditional borders are insufficient barriers against threats, which include transnational terrorism and cyber-attacks.

Singh stressed that these challenges require a unified response based on transparency and collaboration.

He highlighted India's commitment to multilateralism, advocating for dialogue and cooperation to prevent conflicts.

He concluded by reiterating India's support for peace and stability in Afghanistan, emphasizing humanitarian assistance and developmental initiatives as priorities.

Singh called for enhanced cooperation among SCO members, stating that collective efforts are essential to meet the aspirations of their people and address contemporary challenges.