Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh used a prime platform at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao to de
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh used a prime platform at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao to deliver a pointed critique—not naming names directly but making clear implications against states he says employ cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and offer sanctuary to terrorists.
Powerful Rhetorical Strike
Singh declared, “Peace and terror cannot co-exist,” warning that terrorist epicentres will no longer be safe and affirming that India is prepared to act decisively if attacks originate from its territory.
He emphasized his “zero‑tolerance” stance on countries that harbour militants or use them strategically, a reference to recent incidents such as the Pahalgam attack, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistani proxies like Lashkar-e-Taiba’s offshoot, The Resistance Front.
India Refuses to Sign Weak Communique
India opted out of the SCO joint statement, criticizing its lenient wording on terrorism. Singh asserted there must be no double standards, referencing states that use cross-border terrorism for geopolitical leverage .
Key Messages from India’s SCO Engagement
No sanctuary for terrorists: Singh reinforced that nations sheltering militants risk being held accountable.
Operations ongoing: He referred to Operation Sindoor, India’s ongoing campaign targeting terror infrastructure across the border.
Demand for equity: Alongside National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs officials, Singh urged SCO partners to expose terror havens and halt radicalization and illicit financing.
Broader Context & Implications
India’s hardline diplomacy addresses long-standing accusations of Pakistan using terror proxies. This track echoes domestic rhetoric—Rajnath has stated repeatedly that supporting terrorism is a crime against humanity and threatens regional stability .
Yet enforcing such accountability could strain delicate ties within SCO, especially with China and Pakistan, both key members that have historically resisted naming and shaming.
In Summary
At Qingdao, Rajnath Singh made India’s message loud and clear:
Cross-border terrorism as policy is unacceptable and must be condemned.
Sanctuaries for terrorists will invite consequences.
SCO must cement unified anti-terror norms, not shelter violent ideologies.
In short, India isn’t just talking—it’s signaling readiness to act, even if that means breaking consensus within the SCO. And by refusing to endorse a weak communique, New Delhi is asserting its demand for accountability and global parity in the fight against terrorism.
COMMENTS