New Delhi: Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm resolve that “terror epicentres” are no longer immune to “justifiable punishment”, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday, in remarks widely seen as a warning to Pakistan over “cross-border terrorism”.
In an address at a conclave of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, Singh also called on the influential grouping to not lose sight of “state-sponsored” cross-border terrorism and that there should not be any place for any “double standards” in combating the menace.
Delving into ongoing conflicts and geopolitical upheavals, Singh said that the “real test of power” is not in using it against the poor and the weak, but to use it in the interest of those who are unable to defend themselves.
There is a need to focus on global consensus where “co-existence, cohabitation and compassion take precedence over chaos, competition and conflict”, he said.
The defence minister emphasised that the SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who “abet, shelter and provide safe havens” to terrorists.
“We must not lose sight of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism which attacks the very sovereignty of a nation state. There is no place for any double standards and SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who abet, shelter and provide safe havens to terrorists,” he said.
Singh strongly pitched for a unified front to tackle the “evils” of terrorism, separatism and extremism.
“By tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism without exception, we (can) transform regional security from a challenge into a cornerstone for peace and prosperity,” he said in presence of defence ministers from China, Russia and other member states of the grouping.
The defence minister described terrorism as the “most serious threat” to the emerging world order and noted that counter-terror cooperation has been a “foundational principle” of the SCO.
“On April 22, we remembered the victims of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The carnage in Pahalgam shook the entire humanity,” he said.
“During Operation Sindoor, we demonstrated our firm resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment,” he added.
Singh also recalled the declaration unveiled at last year’s SCO summit in the Chinese city of Tianjin saying it brought out a firm and collective stance against terrorism.
“It was a testimony to our zero-tolerance outlook towards terrorism and its perpetrators, which was endorsed by this esteemed forum. But the real test of our collective credibility remains in consistency,” he said.
“We must not forget that terrorism has no nationality and no theology. No grievance, real or supposed, can become an excuse for terrorism and humanitarian loss,” he said.
The defence minister highlighted the significant role being played by the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and referred to the joint statement of the Heads of State on ‘Countering Radicalisation leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ that was issued during India’s chairmanship of the grouping.
He further stated that in view of the present global uncertainties, the SCO holds a “pivotal role”.
“Do we need a new world order or a world which is more orderly? We need an order where every citizen of this world is treated with dignity and respect. We need an order where differences do not become disputes and disputes don’t precede disasters,” he said.
“The real crisis today is not of a non-existent order but a tendency to question the established rule-based world order. We must focus on a global consensus where co-existence, cohabitation and compassion take precedence over chaos, competition and conflict,” he said.
Singh noted that it is the responsibility of SCO to ensure regional as well as global peace and stability.
“We should continue to follow the path of dialogue and diplomacy and not of unrelenting force. We should not allow it to become an era of violence and war, but an era of peace and prosperity,” he said.
“Let me recall the message of Mahatma Gandhi that an eye for an eye makes everyone blind and before every action, we must remember how that action can make a difference to the life of a poor and needy,” he said.
“As people responsible for defence and security, we have the responsibility to uphold this spirit of brotherhood and harmony. The real test of power is not in using it against the poor and the weak, but to use it in the interest of those who are unable to defend themselves,” he stated.
Singh highlighted India’s belief that SCO possesses the requisite strength and resolve to significantly contribute towards peace and stability.
The ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ embodies this sense of togetherness, overcoming all differences of race and religion, he said.
The defence minister also reiterated India’s commitment to contribute constructively to the implementation of the SCO’s mandate, advocating that greater cooperation and mutual trust among member states based on equality, mutual respect and deeper understanding can make this organisation a beacon of hope and peace.
During the meeting, Singh along with his counterparts from other member countries, discussed ways to deal with the challenge of terrorism and radicalisation.
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, according to the defence ministry.
Singh landed in the capital city of Kyrgyzstan on Monday.
The SCO, comprising India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus, is an influential economic and security bloc that has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations.
It was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Pakistan became its permanent member along with India in 2017. Iran joined the grouping in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.
