New Delhi, Oct 20 (KNO): Asserting that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that those financing, supporting or sheltering terrorists must be held accountable.
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Terrorism continues to pose a major challenge to peace, stability and development, with consequences extending beyond the loss of innocent lives. It not only causes the loss of innocent lives but also disrupts investment and commerce. It radicalises society and deprives our youth of the opportunities they deserve.”
Singh stressed that terrorism could not be justified under any circumstances and called for dismantling the networks and support structures that enable terrorist activities.
“There should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism, and no place for those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists. The entire ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly and collectively dismantled,” he said.
Pertinently, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was also present at the meeting.
Singh's remarks came amid India's continued concerns over cross-border terrorism and its stated position that countries providing support or shelter to terrorist groups must be held responsible.
On October 15, the Defence Minister had warned that any further terrorist attack originating from Pakistan would invite a stronger response from India.
Speaking at the Times Network Defence Conclave in New Delhi, Singh had said India's commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence should not be interpreted as weakness.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes, he said these operations reflected a shift towards proactive action against terrorism rather than relying solely on diplomatic condemnation.
Singh also claimed that the operational lifespan of most terrorists had fallen to less than a year since 2014, with security forces neutralising them within that period after they took up arms against India.
Reiterating India's approach to national security, he said the country remained committed to peace but was prepared to respond to threats against its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The SCO meeting in Dushanbe is focused on strengthening cooperation among member countries in areas including economic development, connectivity, investment, innovation and cultural exchanges.
India has also highlighted its contributions to the organisation's initiatives on start-ups, digital public infrastructure and cultural cooperation.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Singh held separate discussions with Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda and Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
During his meeting with Rosulzoda, Singh underscored the longstanding civilisational ties and people-to-people connections between India and Tajikistan.
He also shared details of his interaction with Aref on social media.
The SCO brings together countries from across Eurasia to discuss regional security and economic cooperation, with counterterrorism remaining among its key areas of engagement—(KNO)