NewzVille Desk
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on 28 April, 2026. Singh said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ demonstrated India’s firm resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment.”
He underlined the need to forge a unified front to tackle the “evils” of terrorism, separatism and extremism by eliminating safe havens and rejecting any political exceptions.
He asserted that the sight of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism which attacks the sovereignty of a nation must not be lost as there is no place for double standards.
Singh emphasised that SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who abet, shelter and provide safe havens to terrorists. “By tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism without exception, we transform regional security from a challenge into a cornerstone for peace and prosperity,” he said.
Describing counter-terrorism as a foundational principle of SCO, Rajnath Singh stated that the organisation has condemned such acts and ideologies in a common fight against the menace.
He recalled last year’s Tianjin Declaration which brought out India’s firm & collective stance against terrorism, terming it as a testimony to the country’s zero-tolerance outlook towards terrorism and its perpetrators.
“The real test of collective credibility remains in consistency. We must not forget that terrorism has no nationality and no theology. Nations must take a firm & collective stance against terrorism,” he added.
During the meeting, Defence Minister Singh, along with member countries, held discussions on matters related to the aspects of security, terrorism and radicalisation affecting the region and its wider implications on the peace and tranquility of the world.
The SCO members emphasised the symbolic significance of 2026, which marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the organisation and how its role is becoming more important than ever due to growing unpredictability and uncertainty.
