India's Stance on SCO Terrorism Issues

Summary of Key Points from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Address at the SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting:

1. Context: The meeting took place in Tajikistan with a focus on regional security and terrorism, particularly concerning cross-border terrorism attributed to Pakistan.

2. Terrorism as a Core Issue:

   • Singh emphasized that meaningful regional cooperation cannot flourish if terrorist threats are addressed selectively by member states.
   • He called for dismantling the terrorist infrastructure, insisting that the threat must be addressed at its source.

3. India's Stance:

   • India previously refused to endorse a joint statement at the 2025 SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, China, due to concerns over its portrayal of terrorism—particularly that implicated Pakistan without addressing Indian concerns about attacks such as the Pahalgam attack in 2025.
   • India's consistent position is that terrorism cannot be dissociated from broader peace and development agendas.

4. SCO's Role:

   • The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has the potential to foster regional stability, trade, and connectivity.
   • However, the effectiveness of the SCO is hindered by political disagreements, which prevent a unified approach to security threats.

5. Economic Connectivity:

   • Singh highlighted the importance of economic corridors, such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port, for enhancing links between Central Asia and global markets.
   • Long-term benefits from these projects require respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and conditions conducive to the free movement of goods, capital, and people.

6. Practical Cooperation against Terrorism:

   • The SCO must move from commitment to action by fostering cooperation in areas such as intelligence-sharing, disrupting terror financing, and denying safe havens to terrorist groups.
   • India is poised to play a leadership role in pushing for regional cooperation in countering terrorism.

7. Diplomatic Context:

   • Ishaq Dar's presence at the meeting underlined India's ongoing diplomatic challenges within the SCO, where member countries hold divergent strategic interests and security priorities.

This address underscores India's strategic focus on combating terrorism while promoting regional development and economic integration, aiming to stabilize security partnerships within the SCO framework.