Rajnath Singh Calls for Dismantling Terror Ecosystem at SCO Meet in Tajikistan

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the entire ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly and collectively dismantled during the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was present at the gathering while Mr. Singh made these remarks. Mr. Singh stated that terrorism is one of the most serious threats to peace and development, harming innocent lives while disrupting investment and commerce. He noted that terrorism radicalises societies and deprives youth of proper opportunities, stressing that there is no justification or double standards for terrorism, and no place for those who provide finance, support, or safe havens. Earlier on October 15 in New Delhi, Mr. Singh warned that future terrorist acts from Pakistan will draw a stronger response, pointing out that since 2014, the shelf life of most terrorists has fallen to under a year due to security forces neutralising them quickly.

Economic Cooperation

Addressing the SCO members, Mr. Singh expressed India's support for the 2026 to 2030 action plan on the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme, noting that economic engagement should be inclusive and beneficial for every member country to build resilient supply chains and use technology for development. He also stated that India welcomed decisions made in Bishkek to make the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe permanent bodies of the SCO.

Context

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance that brings together regional nations to cooperate on security and trade issues. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India at this Council of Heads of Government meeting during his two-day official visit to Tajikistan.