At SCO meet, Rajnath Singh urges member nations to dismantle entire terrorism ecosystem

Addressing the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh described terrorism as a major challenge to peace, stability and development. He said it disrupts investment, weakens trade and limits opportunities for young people.

“There can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it, and no place for those who finance, support, or provide safe havens to terrorists,” he said.

On regional connectivity, Singh emphasised that infrastructure projects must be undertaken through consultation and in accordance with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. He cautioned that initiatives failing to respect these principles would not remain sustainable.

The minister highlighted the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port as important routes for linking Central Asia with broader international markets. He also called for streamlined customs procedures, digital documentation, improved logistics and compatible digital systems to reduce the cost of doing business.

Referring to geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and concerns over food and energy security, Singh urged SCO members to move beyond consensus and focus on concrete outcomes. He reiterated India’s support for the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026–2030.

Singh said economic cooperation within the organisation should be inclusive and mutually beneficial. He added that new SCO mechanisms should respond to clearly defined requirements, avoid duplication and deliver tangible results.

Welcoming the decisions to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent SCO bodies, the minister stressed that effective coordination and timely implementation would be essential to their success.

Emphasising the importance of people-centred development, Singh said the organisation’s achievements should be assessed through the opportunities created for young people, markets opened for entrepreneurs, technologies made accessible to farmers and small businesses, and stronger connections fostered among societies.

He also highlighted India’s experience in digital public infrastructure, financial inclusion, startups and women-led development. Singh outlined the country’s international initiatives in clean energy, disaster-resilient infrastructure, sustainable lifestyles and biofuels.

The minister invited SCO member states to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which India is scheduled to host later this year.

The meeting reviewed cooperation across trade, transport, finance, the digital economy and social development. The heads of delegations adopted a joint communiqué, approved the SCO budget for 2027 and endorsed financial and administrative decisions, along with the trade and economic cooperation action plan for 2026–2030.

India has been a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation since 2017.