Rajnath Singh Highlights Threat of Terrorism at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meet in Qingdao

 Qingdao, China | June 26, 2025 — Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting on Thursday, identified terrorism, regional instability, and a deficit of trust as the foremost challenges confronting the SCO member states. He emphasized that peace and prosperity cannot thrive in an environment where terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) remain accessible to non-state actors and extremist groups.

Upon his arrival at the venue in Qingdao, Singh was received by Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun. During his keynote address, Singh underscored the urgent need for a unified and resolute approach to combating the threats posed by terrorism and WMD proliferation.

“Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of non-state actors and terror outfits. A decisive and united response is essential to safeguard the collective security of the region,” Singh stated.

In a direct message to nations allegedly harbouring terror networks, the Minister asserted, “States that sponsor, harbor, or use terrorism for narrow political objectives must be held accountable. The use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy, and the sheltering of terrorists, should have no place in the international community. The SCO must not shy away from denouncing such double standards.”

Referring to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Singh noted striking similarities to past assaults orchestrated by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) group. He also cited India’s strong military response earlier this year.

“The pattern of the Pahalgam terror attack mirrors the modus operandi of LeT’s previous operations within Indian territory. On May 7, 2025, in defence of its sovereignty and in a bid to deter further acts of terror, India successfully conducted Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” he said.

Singh’s remarks at the SCO forum reflect India's firm stance on regional security and its call for collective action against the forces undermining peace and stability.