Dushanbe: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for firm and collective action to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, stating that there could be no place for those who finance, support or shelter terrorists.
Addressing a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh noted that terrorism has emerged as one of the most serious threats to global peace and development. He pointed out that extremist violence harms innocent lives while simultaneously disrupting commerce and investment across the region.
Singh emphasized that terrorism radicalizes societies and robs the younger generation of deserving opportunities. His remarks were delivered in the presence of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who attended the gathering.
Representing India on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan, Singh stressed that terrorism has no justification and that nations must avoid double standards when addressing the menace. He asserted that entities providing financial backing, logistical support, or safe havens to extremists must face a united front from the international community.
Building on earlier statements regarding cross-border threats, the defence minister tied regional stability directly to economic resilience. He reiterated India's backing for the adoption of the action plan spanning 2026 through 2030 under the Programme for Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation.
Singh highlighted that India views economic engagement as a tool that should remain inclusive and advantageous for every member nation. He urged the bloc to focus on establishing robust supply chains, easing trade and commerce, and leveraging technological advancements for shared growth and development.
The multilateral initiative seeks to broaden economic and investment ties among member states through stable, predictable, and transparent policies aimed at elevating the living standards of regional populations. Additionally, Singh expressed India's support for recent decisions finalized in Bishkek to establish permanent regional bodies, including the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe.