DUSHANBE, OCT 20: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called upon member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt a united and uncompromising approach towards terrorism, stressing that the entire ecosystem supporting the menace must be dismantled through coordinated action. Addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, he asserted that terrorism poses one of the gravest threats to international peace, economic development and social stability, leaving no room for justification, double standards or tolerance towards those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists.
Emphasising the devastating consequences of terrorism, Singh said it claims innocent lives, disrupts investment and commercial activity, fuels radicalisation and deprives young people of opportunities essential for their future. He called for collective resolve among SCO members to address the threat comprehensively, underlining the need to ensure that those responsible for sustaining terrorist activities and their support networks face a unified response.
The Defence Minister also highlighted India’s position on regional connectivity, stating that infrastructure and trade initiatives must be guided by consultation, sovereign equality and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. He maintained that connectivity projects lacking these fundamental principles would not be sustainable, reiterating India’s support for initiatives that promote shared prosperity without compromising the legitimate interests of participating nations.
Referring to the deliberations at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in August-September 2026, Singh recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the need for concrete action in the areas of security, connectivity and economic opportunity. He said the organisation must remain committed to consensus, mutual respect and sovereign equality, cautioning that the creation of additional institutions alone does not guarantee meaningful results. New mechanisms, he stressed, should address clearly identified requirements, avoid duplication and deliver practical benefits to member states.
Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, disruptions in global trade and supply chains, energy and food security concerns, and widening technological disparities, Singh called for stronger economic coordination among SCO members. He emphasised the need to develop resilient supply chains, facilitate trade and investment, and harness technology to support sustainable and inclusive development. Reaffirming India’s commitment to multilateral economic cooperation, he backed the adoption of an Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030.
Singh welcomed the decisions taken at the Bishkek summit to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent bodies of the SCO. He stressed that their effectiveness would depend on efficient coordination, timely implementation and the ability to translate institutional arrangements into tangible outcomes.
On regional trade and transport, the Defence Minister highlighted the potential of the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port to strengthen connectivity between Central Asia and wider international markets. He said improved links could open new avenues for commerce, investment and economic cooperation. However, he emphasised that physical infrastructure must be complemented by practical measures, including simplified customs procedures, digital documentation, improved logistics and interoperable digital systems to reduce transaction costs and facilitate cross-border trade.
Referring to India’s recent engagement with Central Asian countries, Singh highlighted a symposium on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia held in Mumbai earlier this month. He expressed appreciation for the participation of Central Asian countries and SCO partners and also acknowledged the organisation of the first-ever SCO Asian Economic Dialogue, describing such initiatives as important platforms for strengthening economic engagement.
Underscoring the importance of people-centred development, Singh said the success of the SCO should not be measured merely through institutional expansion or agreements but by the opportunities it creates for young people, the markets it opens for entrepreneurs, the technologies it makes accessible to farmers and small businesses, and the connections it builds between societies. He stressed that economic cooperation must deliver benefits across all sections of society.
Highlighting India’s development experience, the Defence Minister pointed to the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure, which has transformed public service delivery and expanded financial inclusion. He also referred to India’s extensive start-up ecosystem and its emphasis on women-led development, stating that women have a defining role in shaping the country’s development trajectory.
Singh further highlighted India’s international initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE and the Global Biofuel Alliance. These initiatives, he said, contribute to affordable clean energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, responsible consumption and the development of sustainable energy solutions.
Calling for a forward-looking roadmap as the SCO builds on its 25-year journey, Singh urged member states to strengthen consensus-driven cooperation and focus on measurable outcomes. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with all members and invited them to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which India is scheduled to host later this year.
The 25th meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation and deliberated on ways to strengthen collaboration in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development. The heads of delegation adopted the Joint Communiqué of the meeting, along with the SCO budget for 2027, relevant financial and administrative decisions, and the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030.
The SCO Council of Heads of Government serves as a key mechanism for advancing economic and other practical cooperation among member states. India, a full member of the organisation since 2017, continues to participate in its various mechanisms, advocating cooperation that combines regional security, economic development, respect for national sovereignty and tangible benefits for people across the region.
