New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to work together to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, describing it as one of the gravest threats to global peace, security and development. Addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 20, 2026, Singh stressed that terrorism cannot be justified and that countries must adopt a consistent approach against those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists.
“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,” Rajnath Singh said.
He noted that terrorism claims innocent lives, disrupts investment and commerce, promotes radicalisation and deprives young people of opportunities.
Rajnath Singh Stresses Collective Action Against Terrorism
Rajnath Singh urged SCO member states to move beyond declarations and take coordinated, practical measures to address security challenges. He highlighted the need for a united approach to counter terrorism and its wider support networks.
Recalling the discussions at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in August-September 2026, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had emphasised the need for concrete steps by the organisation on security, connectivity and opportunities.
The Defence Minister reiterated India’s commitment to inclusive and mutually beneficial economic engagement among all SCO member states. He also stressed that the organisation must uphold the principles of sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect.
Singh said that establishing more institutions would not necessarily lead to better results. He called for new mechanisms to address clearly identified needs, avoid duplication and deliver practical benefits to member countries.
SCO Must Strengthen Economic Cooperation Amid Global Uncertainty
The Defence Minister highlighted the challenges facing the global economy, including geopolitical tensions, disruptions to trade and supply chains, energy and food security concerns, and emerging technological divides.
He called on SCO member states to build consensus and translate it into concrete action by strengthening resilient supply chains, facilitating trade and investment, and using technology to support development.
Emphasising that the benefits of economic cooperation must reach all sections of society, Singh reaffirmed India’s support for adopting the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme (PMTEC) for 2026-2030.
He said economic cooperation should create tangible opportunities for businesses, farmers, young people and communities across the region.
India Welcomes SCO’s Universal Centre and Anti-Drug Centre
Rajnath Singh welcomed decisions taken at the SCO Summit in Bishkek to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent bodies of the organisation.
He said the effectiveness of these institutions would depend on efficient coordination and the timely execution of their responsibilities.
The two centres are part of the organisation’s efforts to strengthen cooperation in areas of common concern. Singh stressed the importance of ensuring that such mechanisms deliver meaningful outcomes for member states.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Connectivity Through INSTC and Chabahar Port
Underlining the importance of connectivity for regional prosperity, Singh said India supports initiatives that link markets, facilitate trade and open new avenues for development.
He highlighted the potential of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port to improve connectivity between Central Asia and wider international markets.
However, he stressed that connectivity initiatives must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
According to Singh, projects that do not follow these principles cannot be sustainable in the long term.
He also called for improvements beyond physical infrastructure, including:
- Simplifying customs procedures to facilitate cross-border trade.
- Promoting digital documentation and interoperable digital solutions.
- Improving logistics systems across the region.
- Reducing the cost of doing business among SCO member states.
Singh also highlighted a symposium on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia held in Mumbai earlier in October. He thanked Central Asian countries and SCO partners for their active participation and acknowledged the organisation of the first-ever SCO Asian Economic Dialogue.
India Highlights Digital Public Infrastructure and Start-Up Ecosystem
Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s development experience, particularly the role of technology and innovation in driving economic growth and delivering practical solutions.
He said India’s Digital Public Infrastructure has transformed public service delivery and improved financial inclusion. He also highlighted the country’s large start-up ecosystem and its focus on women-led development.
According to Singh, women’s participation plays a defining role in shaping the country’s development trajectory.
He emphasised that the success of the SCO should be measured by the opportunities it creates for young people, the markets it opens for entrepreneurs, the technologies it makes available to farmers and small businesses, and the connections it builds between societies.
“Our success should be measured by the opportunities we create for youth, new markets we open for our entrepreneurs, technologies we make available to our farmers and small-scale business owners, and the connections we foster among societies,” he said.
India Highlights Global Initiatives on Clean Energy and Climate Resilience
The Defence Minister also highlighted India’s international initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, clean energy and climate resilience.
These include:
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): Promotes the use of solar energy and supports access to affordable clean energy.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Works to strengthen infrastructure resilience against disasters and climate-related risks.
- Mission LiFE: Encourages sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption.
- Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA): Promotes cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions through biofuels.
Singh said these initiatives contribute to wider global efforts to advance sustainable development and address shared environmental challenges.
Rajnath Singh Invites SCO Members to Civilisational Dialogue Forum
Calling for a forward-looking approach, Singh urged the SCO to build on the strong foundation established over the past 25 years and develop a roadmap focused on consensus-driven cooperation and measurable outcomes.
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with all member states to achieve the organisation’s objectives.
The Defence Minister also invited SCO member states to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which India is scheduled to host later in 2026.
SCO Council of Heads of Government Reviews Trade and Economic Cooperation
The 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation among member states.
Delegates discussed measures to strengthen cooperation in several areas, including transport, finance, the digital economy and social development.
The heads of delegation adopted the Joint Communiqué of the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. The adopted documents and decisions included the SCO budget for 2027, relevant financial and administrative decisions, and the PMTEC Action Plan for 2026-2030.
About the SCO Council of Heads of Government
The SCO Council of Heads of Government is an important mechanism of the organisation responsible for promoting economic cooperation and other areas of practical collaboration among member states.
India has been a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation since 2017 and continues to participate actively in its various mechanisms. The organisation provides a platform for member countries to discuss shared challenges and advance cooperation in areas such as security, trade, transport, finance and development.
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