Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ summit in Qingdao, China, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made it clear that India will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism. In a strong statement, Singh said that India’s counter-terror policies are no longer just words but are being implemented in action.
“India has proven that terrorist epicenters can no longer feel safe. We have taken bold steps to defend our people and will continue doing so when necessary,” Singh emphasized.
He called for unified efforts to counter the growing problem of radicalization, particularly among young people. Commending the role of SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Singh pointed to the Council’s earlier joint declaration, which underlined collective responsibility in fighting extremism.
Raising concerns about nations using terrorism as state policy, Singh warned that countries sheltering or aiding terror groups must be held accountable. “Some countries provide safe havens to terrorists while preaching peace. SCO must rise above such double standards and openly call out such behavior,” he stated.
Referring to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Singh revealed that 26 civilians, including a tourist from Nepal, were brutally murdered. The killings were carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist organization. Victims were allegedly targeted based on religious profiling.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the border. “The methods used in the Pahalgam attack closely resemble past operations by Lashkar-e-Taiba. Our military responded decisively to disrupt and destroy their bases,” Singh stated.
Calling for global accountability, Singh said, “We must bring not just the attackers but also their funders and organizers to justice. Terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable in all forms—regardless of ideology or location.”
The Defence Ministers’ meeting, which continues through June 26, brings together key players from the region—including China, Russia, and Central Asian countries—to enhance dialogue on regional stability. India, a full member of SCO since 2017, has consistently used the platform to voice its concerns on terrorism and regional security.
China currently holds the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2025 under the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.”
