What happened?
On June 26, 2025, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, outlining India’s evolving policy against terrorism and urging member nations to unite to eliminate this threat for collective safety and security. Rajnath Singh stated that increasing radicalisation, extremism, and terrorism are the root causes of challenges to peace, security, and trust in the region. He emphasised that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism and the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the hands of non-state actors. He called for perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, to be held accountable and brought to justice. Rajnath Singh asserted that India launched Operation Sindoor in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, demonstrating its right to self-defence and its resolve to pre-empt and deter further cross-border attacks. He stated that “epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe and we will not hesitate to target them”. He also highlighted the importance of countering technology used by terrorists, such as drones for cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs.
Why it matters to India
This address signifies India’s firm stance on counter-terrorism and its commitment to regional stability within the SCO framework. India’s clear articulation of its policy, including the use of Operation Sindoor to pre-empt and deter attacks, signals a proactive approach to national security. The emphasis on holding sponsors of terrorism accountable directly addresses India’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. By advocating for a unified SCO response against radicalisation and the misuse of technology by terrorists, India aims to bolster collective security mechanisms that directly impact its own internal and external threats. Furthermore, Rajnath Singh’s remarks on the importance of reformed multilateralism and enhanced connectivity with Central Asia, while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, align with India’s strategic vision for a secure and prosperous neighbourhood. India’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and developmental aid to Afghanistan also reflects its long-term strategic interests in the region’s stability.