Addressing members of the regional grouping, Singh said terrorism remained one of the most serious threats to peace and development, affecting not only human lives but also economic activity and social stability.
“Terrorism not only causes the loss of innocent lives but also disrupts investment and commerce. It radicalises society and deprives our youth of the opportunities they deserve,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister stressed that terrorism could not be justified under any circumstances and urged member countries to adopt a united approach against those responsible for sustaining terrorist networks.
“There should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism, and no place for those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists. The entire ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly and collectively dismantled,” he said.
Rajnath Singh Reiterates India’s Firm Position on Cross-Border Terrorism
Earlier, on October 15, Singh reiterated India’s position on cross-border terrorism, warning that any further terrorist acts originating from Pakistan would invite an even stronger response.
He said India’s cultural ethos supported dialogue, coexistence and the peaceful resolution of disputes. However, he cautioned that the country’s commitment to peace should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness.
Speaking at the Times Network Defence Conclave in New Delhi, Singh said Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes represented a decisive shift in India’s approach to tackling terrorism.
“Operation Sindoor, Balakot Airstrikes and Surgical Strikes weren’t just military operations; they symbolised a decisive shift in the nation’s approach, moving from diplomatic condemnation to proactive action aimed at rooting out terrorism by reaching its very source,” he said.
Singh also claimed that since 2014, the ‘shelf life’ of most terrorists had fallen to less than a year. According to him, security forces were neutralising terrorists within a year of their taking up arms against India.
India Committed to Peace but Prepared for War, Says Rajnath Singh
Singh described strength and capability as essential to maintaining peace, asserting that India remained committed to peace while preparing for circumstances in which war might become necessary to protect the nation.
“Our commitment to peace remains steadfast, yet we are fully prepared to confront any challenge. Our goal is to build an India that, while advocating for peace, remains vigilant when it comes to security and is fully capable of safeguarding its sovereignty, integrity, and national interests,” he said.
His remarks underscored the position that India’s commitment to peaceful engagement would go hand in hand with its preparedness to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
Rajnath Singh Meets Tajikistan Prime Minister, Iran’s First Vice President
On the sidelines of the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Singh held separate meetings with Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda and Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
During his meeting with Rosulzoda, Singh highlighted the longstanding civilisational ties and close people-to-people links between India and Tajikistan.
In a post on X, the Defence Minister wrote, “Delighted to meet H.E. Mr Qohir Rosulzoda, Prime Minister of Tajikistan at the commencement of SCO Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe.
Underlined the longstanding civilisational ties and deep people to people links between India and Tajikistan.”
In a separate post, Singh shared details of his meeting with Aref, expressing his pleasure at the interaction.
“Pleasure to meet H.E. Mr Mohammad Reza Aref, First Vice President of Iran on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe,” he wrote.
The meetings took place as India participated in discussions with member countries on regional cooperation and other shared priorities at the SCO gathering.
SCO Meeting to Focus on Economic, Cultural and Strategic Cooperation
Singh is representing India at the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Tajikistan’s capital, where leaders and representatives of member countries have assembled for discussions under the regional grouping.
Ahead of the meeting, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon welcomed Singh and representatives of other SCO member countries at the Palace of the Nation in Dushanbe.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation in culture, connectivity, the economy, innovation, investment and people-to-people ties. Participants will also review progress in the bloc’s financial and institutional functioning.
The ministry highlighted India’s active participation in various SCO mechanisms, including its contributions to start-ups, digital public infrastructure and cultural exchanges.
These initiatives, the ministry said, provide opportunities to advance practical and mutually beneficial cooperation among member states.
Singh’s participation in the meeting combines India’s call for collective action against terrorism with its engagement on economic, cultural and institutional cooperation within the SCO framework.
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