Rajnath Singh Addresses State-Sponsored Terrorism at SCO Meeting

On April 28, 2026, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing the need to combat state-sponsored terrorism. He highlighted the threat posed by those who provide safe havens to terrorists, particularly referencing Pakistan indirectly. Singh reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, stating that grievances cannot justify terrorist acts. He cited India's military response during 'Operation Sindoor' as a demonstration of resolve against terrorism epicenters. The Defence Minister called for member nations to act consistently against terrorism, separatism, and extremism to uphold national sovereignty. He invoked the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, advocating for diplomacy and ethical power use. Singh urged SCO members to foster cooperation and mutual respect to address shared challenges. His remarks come in the context of rising global security concerns and the need for a unified approach to counter-terrorism.

Key Points: • Rajnath Singh called for action against state-sponsored terrorism at the SCO meeting. • He emphasized India's zero-tolerance policy and the need for consistency in combating terrorism. • Singh indirectly criticized Pakistan for harboring terrorists during his address.