Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States to make concerted efforts to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, describing the menace as one of the gravest threats to peace and development. He was addressing the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of SCO in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 20, 2026.

“Terrorism results in the loss of innocent lives and disrupts investment & commerce. It radicalises societies and deprives youth of the opportunities they rightfully deserve. There can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it, and no place for those who finance, support, or provide safe havens to terrorists,” said Defence Minister.

Rajnath Singh recalled the deliberations at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in August-September 2026, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the need for concrete steps by the Organisation on issues related to security, connectivity, and opportunity. Defence Minister underscored India's belief that economic engagement should be inclusive and mutually beneficial for all Member States. “India believes that the SCO must remain efficient and steadfast in its adherence to the principles of sovereign equality, consensus, and mutual respect. A greater number of institutions does not necessarily translate into greater achievements. New mechanisms should focus on clearly identified needs, avoid duplication, and prioritise delivering practical value to Member States,” he said.

Connectivity must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty & territorial integrity of all countries: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister emphasised the need for the SCO to build consensus and translate it into concrete action to address the uncertain global economic environment marked by geopolitical tensions, disruptions to trade and supply chains, concerns over energy and food security, and emerging technological divides. There is a need to strengthen resilient supply chains, facilitate trade and investment, and leverage technology to drive development, he said. Stressing that the benefits of economic cooperation must reach all sections of society, he reaffirmed India's support for the adoption of an Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for the period 2026-2030.

Rajnath Singh welcomed the decisions taken at the SCO Summit in Bishkek to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent bodies of the Organisation. Their effectiveness, he said, would depend on efficient coordination and timely execution of tasks.

Underlining the importance of connectivity for shared prosperity, Defence Minister stated that India supports initiatives that link markets, facilitate trade and create new avenues for development. He said that initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar Port can contribute significantly to connecting Central Asia with broader markets.

Rajnath Singh stressed that connectivity must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, adding that projects not founded on these principles will not be sustainable. He emphasised the need to move beyond physical connectivity by simplifying customs procedures, promoting digital documentation, improving logistics and adopting interoperable digital solutions to reduce the cost of doing business across the region.

“SCO's success lies in creating opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, farmers & small businesses”

Defence Minister highlighted the symposium on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia, held in Mumbai earlier this month, and expressed gratitude to Central Asian countries and SCO partners for their active participation. He also acknowledged the organisation of the first-ever SCO Asian Economic Dialogue.

“Our success should be measured by the opportunities we create for youth, new markets we open for our entrepreneurs, technologies we make available to our farmers and small-scale business owners, and the connections we foster among societies,” said Rajnath Singh.

Defence Minister asserted that India's own development experience demonstrates the transformative potential of technology and innovation that drive growth and deliver solutions. He highlighted the country's Digital Public Infrastructure, which has transformed public service delivery and enhanced financial inclusion. He added that India has built one of the world's largest start-up ecosystems, and the nation's emphasis on women-led development is rooted in the belief that women play a defining role in shaping the path of development.

Rajnath Singh underlined that India's global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure contribute to affordable clean energy & climate-resilient development. He added that Mission LiFE promotes sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption, while the Global Biofuel Alliance fosters cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

Defence Minister urged the SCO to build on the strong foundation established over the past 25 years and chart a forward-looking roadmap focused on consensus-driven cooperation and tangible outcomes. He reaffirmed India's commitment to working closely with all Member States towards achieving these objectives. He invited Member States to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum being hosted by India later this year.

The meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation among SCO Member States and discussed measures to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as transport, finance, digital economy and social development.

The Heads of Delegation adopted the Joint Communiqué of the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, including the SCO budget for 2027, relevant financial and administrative decisions, and the PMTEC Action Plan for 2026-2030.

The SCO CHG is an important mechanism of the Organisation responsible for promoting economic and other areas of practical cooperation among Member States. India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017 and continues to participate actively in its various mechanisms.