India Stands Firm Against Terrorism at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in China
Qingdao, China – June 26, 2025 – Reiterating its steadfast position on global security, India once again took a strong stand against terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Qingdao. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a powerful address, firmly stating that India follows a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism in all its forms.
Singh made it clear that India’s commitment to fighting terrorism is not limited to words but is evident through consistent and bold actions. He emphasized that those who operate or harbor terrorist networks are no longer immune, noting, “The epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe.” This was widely seen as a warning to nations that continue to provide refuge and resources to terror groups.
Beyond immediate security concerns, Singh also highlighted the importance of combating radical ideologies, especially among vulnerable youth populations. He called for early intervention strategies to prevent radicalization and praised the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) for its active role in facilitating collaboration among member countries.
Referring to the joint declaration on “Countering Radicalization Leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism” issued during India’s SCO presidency, Singh pointed to this as evidence of a shared regional resolve against terrorism. He urged all SCO members to stand united and apply pressure on those nations that sponsor or support extremist elements, cautioning against any form of double standards in this global fight.
Concluding his speech, Singh stressed that genuine peace and sustainable development in the region are impossible without collective efforts to eradicate terrorism. India’s strong message at the SCO meeting reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and international cooperation in combating one of the world’s most pressing threats.
