Rajnath Singh Delivers Strong Message on Terrorism at SCO Summit in China
SCO Summit: At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Qingdao, China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism. He emphasized that terrorist havens are no longer safe and that India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its security. From the SCO platform, he stressed the urgent need for decisive action against extremism, terrorism, and cross-border threats. He also reiterated India’s “Zero Tolerance for Terrorism” policy.
A Strong Message from Chinese Soil
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in a meeting of Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held in the Chinese port city of Qingdao. This visit was particularly significant as it marked the first time a visiting Indian Defence Minister had travelled to China following the military tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in May 2020.
Rajnath Singh openly represented India’s position on issues such as regional security, terrorism, and a lack of trust during this meeting. He stated, “Peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism, extremism, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD).”
Those Supporting Terrorism Will Face Consequences
Rajnath Singh issued a direct warning to countries that harbor and utilize terrorism for their political interests. He stated, “Some countries are making terrorism a part of their strategy. They are training, funding, and providing shelter to terrorists. Such double standards are no longer acceptable.”
India’s Stance: ‘Zero Tolerance’ and the Right to Self-Defense
The Defence Minister emphasized that India does not tolerate terrorism and is prepared to go to any length to protect its country’s security. He said, “We have shown the world that terrorist centers are no longer safe. India is capable and ready to take every step to protect its citizens and sovereignty.”
The Need to Protect Youth from Extremism
Rajnath Singh called for concrete steps to protect young people from terrorist ideologies. He stated, “We must make serious efforts to prevent our youth from being drawn to extremism and fanaticism.”
He appreciated the SCO’s RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) mechanism, which plays a supportive role in monitoring and preventing extremism and terrorism.
New Challenges in the Fight Against Terrorism
The Defence Minister noted that terrorists are currently using drones and digital networks to smuggle weapons, drugs, and dangerous technologies across borders. He stated, “In today’s world, traditional borders are not sufficient. Threats are increasing as cyber terrorism, hybrid warfare, and technology-based crimes.”
The New Face of Terrorism
Rajnath Singh referenced the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, where the ‘Truk Resistance Front’ (TRF) targeted innocent tourists based on their religious identity. This group is linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has already been declared a terrorist organization by the United Nations.
