Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to work together to dismantle terrorism and its support networks, stressing that no country should justify terrorism or apply double standards in tackling it. His remarks came in the presence of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishaq Dar at the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
“Terrorism results in the loss of innocent lives and disrupts investment and commerce. It radicalises societies and deprives youth of the opportunities they rightfully deserve. 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,” Singh said.
The statement was widely seen as a pointed message to Pakistan amid longstanding tensions between the two countries over cross-border terrorism. Singh argued that terrorism threatens both regional security and economic development, making collective action against its networks and supporters essential.
India and Pakistan became members of the SCO in June 2017, placing both countries within the regional grouping's framework for cooperation on security, trade and economic development.
India raises sovereignty concerns over regional connectivity
Singh also emphasised that infrastructure and connectivity projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries involved. He said cooperation on transport links should be guided by consultation and mutual respect.
“Projects not founded on these principles will not be sustainable,” he said.
The remarks reflect India's longstanding opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A key stretch of the corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), territory that India claims as its own and says is under Pakistan's forcible occupation.
New Delhi has repeatedly objected to the project, arguing that its passage through the disputed territory raises questions of sovereignty and that cooperation between China and Pakistan on CPEC risks altering the status quo in the region.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang also attended the SCO meeting in Dushanbe, where regional connectivity and economic cooperation featured among the key issues under discussion.
India promotes alternative trade routes through Central Asia
While setting out its objections to connectivity projects that do not respect sovereignty, India also highlighted transport corridors that it believes can improve access to international markets and strengthen regional trade.
“Connectivity is crucial for our shared prosperity. India supports initiatives that link markets, facilitate trade and create new avenues for development. Initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar Port can contribute significantly to connecting Central Asia with broader markets,” Singh said.
The International North-South Transport Corridor is intended to improve trade links between India, Iran, Russia and markets beyond them, while Iran's Chabahar Port offers India a route to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan.
Singh said regional cooperation should extend beyond the construction of physical infrastructure. He called for simpler customs procedures, greater use of digital documentation, improved logistics and interoperable digital systems to reduce the cost of doing business across the region.
He also stressed that economic engagement within the SCO should be inclusive and mutually beneficial to every member state.
“India believes that the SCO must remain efficient and steadfast in its adherence to the principles of sovereign equality, consensus, and mutual respect. New mechanisms should focus on clearly identified needs, avoid duplication, and prioritise delivering practical value to Member States,” he said.
SCO urged to address global economic uncertainty
Singh called on the organisation to build consensus and turn it into concrete measures to address mounting uncertainties in the global economy. He cited geopolitical tensions, disruptions to trade and supply chains, concerns over energy and food security, and widening technological divides as challenges requiring a coordinated response.
He said SCO members needed to strengthen supply chains, facilitate trade and investment, and use technology to support economic development.
According to the Defence Ministry, the meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation among SCO member states. Participants also discussed ways to deepen collaboration in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development.
Singh's address brought together India's principal concerns at the regional forum: the need for coordinated action against terrorism, respect for national sovereignty in infrastructure projects, improved connectivity with Central Asian markets and stronger economic cooperation in an increasingly uncertain global environment.