Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for a united global response to terrorism, saying there could be no justification for the act and no double standards in dealing with those who finance, support or shelter terrorists.
His remarks came in the presence of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of Government, Singh described terrorism as one of the gravest threats to peace and development, warning that its impact extended beyond the loss of innocent lives.
“Terrorism not only causes the loss of innocent lives but also disrupts investment and commerce. It radicalises societies and deprives our youth of the opportunities they deserve,” Singh said.
“There can be no justification for terrorism. There can be no double standards in tackling it. There can be no space for people who finance and support terrorists or provide them a safe haven. The entire ecosystem of terrorism should be ended strongly and collectively,” he added.
Dar was seated across the table from Singh during the address, according to media reports.
Singh is representing India at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in the Tajik capital during his two-day official visit. The gathering brings together representatives of member countries to discuss regional cooperation, including trade, investment, connectivity and economic development.
The remarks come amid continued tensions between India and Pakistan over allegations of cross-border terrorism. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting and harbouring terrorist groups, allegations Islamabad has denied.
On October 15, Singh had warned that any future terrorist attack originating from Pakistan would invite an even stronger response from India. Speaking at the Times Network Defence Conclave in New Delhi, he said India’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes should not be mistaken for weakness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also called on SCO member countries in September to dismantle the ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.
At the current meeting, Singh also stressed the importance of economic cooperation among SCO members, including resilient supply chains, trade and investment, and the use of technology for development.
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