Terrorism epicentres no longer immune to punishment: Rajnath

Bishkek, Apr 28: Calling upon member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt a unified and consistent approach against terrorism, separatism and extremism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said ‘Operation Sindoor’ reflected India’s firm resolve that “terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment.”
Addressing the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Singh called for eliminating safe havens and rejecting political exceptions in dealing with terrorism. “There should be no double standards in combating the menace,” he added.
“The sight of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism which attacks the sovereignty of a nation must not be lost. There is no place for double standards,” he said.
Singh said that SCO should not hesitate in taking appropriate action against those who “abet, shelter and provide safe havens to terrorists”, stressing that a collective and uncompromising approach could transform regional security into a foundation for peace and prosperity.
Highlighting India’s “zero-tolerance” policy, the Union Minister said terrorism has “no nationality and no theology” and nations must take a firm and united stand. He referred to the Tianjin Declaration of the grouping as a reflection of a shared commitment to counter terrorism, but added that “the real test of collective credibility remains in consistency”.
The defence minister underscored the role of SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in addressing radicalisation and extremist threats, and said joint efforts were essential in tackling evolving security challenges in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Singh also raised broader concerns about the global order, questioning whether the world needed a new framework or better adherence to existing rules. He called for a consensus-driven approach where “co-existence, co-habitation and compassion take precedence over chaos, competition and conflict”.
“It is SCO’s responsibility to ensure regional as well as global peace and stability,” he said, advocating dialogue and diplomacy over conflict. He cautioned against a drift towards violence, urging member countries to work towards an era of peace and prosperity.
Invoking the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Singh said the principle reflects a sense of global unity beyond differences of race and religion, and aligns with the organisation’s objectives.
He reiterated India’s commitment to constructive engagement within SCO and called for greater cooperation, mutual trust and respect among member states to strengthen the grouping’s role in maintaining stability.
The meeting also reviewed regional security challenges, including terrorism and radicalisation, and discussed their wider implications for global peace.
Member states noted the significance of 2026, marking 25 years since the founding of SCO, and emphasised the organisation’s growing relevance amid rising global uncertainty. (KNO)