At SCO meet, Rajnath cites Op Sindoor to warn against state-sponsored terrorism

BISHKEK (Kyrgyzstan, April 28: Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm resolve that “terror epicentres” are no longer immune to “justifiable punishment”, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday, in remarks widely seen as a warning to Pakistan over cross-border terrorism.
In an address at a conclave of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, Singh also called on the influential grouping to not lose sight of “state-sponsored” cross-border terrorism and that there should not be any place for any “double standards” in combating the menace.
Delving into ongoing conflicts and geopolitical upheavals, Singh said that the “real test of power” is not in using it against the poor and the weak, but to use it in the interest of those who are unable to defend themselves.
There is a need to focus on global consensus where “co-existence, co-habitation and compassion take precedence over chaos, competition and conflict”, he said.
The defence minister emphasised that the SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who “abet, shelter and provide safe havens” to terrorists.
“We must not lose sight of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism which attacks the very sovereignty of a nation state. There is no place for any double standards and SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who abet, shelter and provide safe havens to terrorists,” he said.
Singh strongly pitched for a unified front to tackle the “evils” of terrorism, separatism and extremism.
“By tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism without exception, we (can) transform regional security from a challenge into a cornerstone for peace and prosperity,” he said in presence of defence ministers from China, Russia and other member states of the grouping.
The defence minister described terrorism as the the “most serious threat” to the emerging world order and noted that counter-terror cooperation has been a “foundational principle” of the SCO.
“On April 22, we remembered the victims of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The carnage in Pahalgam shook the entire humanity,” he said.
“During Operation Sindoor, we demonstrated our firm resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment,” he added.
Singh also recalled the declaration unveiled at last year’s SCO summit in Chinese city of Tianjin saying it brought out firm and collective stance against terrorism.
“It was a testimony to our zero-tolerance outlook towards terrorism and its perpetrators, which was endorsed by this esteemed forum. But the real test of our collective credibility remains in consistency,” he said.
“We must not forget that terrorism has no nationality and no theology. No grievance, real or supposed, can become an excuse for terrorism and humanitarian loss,” he said.
The defence minister highlighted the significant role being played by the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and referred to the joint statement of the Heads of State on ‘Countering Radicalisation leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ that was issued during India’s chairmanship of the grouping.
He further stated that in view of the present global uncertainties, the SCO holds a “pivotal role”.
Singh noted that it is the responsibility of SCO to ensure regional as well as global peace and stability. (PTI)