No Double Standards on Terror: Rajnath Singh at SCO Meet

New Delhi, Apr 28: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said there must be no “double standards” in combating terrorism, urging the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to act firmly against those supporting and sheltering terror groups.

Addressing an SCO conference in Bishkek, Singh warned against ignoring “state-sponsored” cross-border terrorism, in an apparent reference to Pakistan’s backing of terror outfits.

“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.

He asserted that India has shown its “firm resolve” through Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that “terror epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment.”

“We must not lose sight of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism which attacks the very sovereignty of a nation state,” he added.

Calling for collective global action, Singh said terrorism, along with extremism and radicalism, poses the most serious threat to the emerging world order.

“It is in this backdrop that the SCO emerged as an organisation based on shared values, and it has condemned such acts and ideologies in a common fight against terrorism,” he said.

The defence minister also highlighted ongoing geopolitical challenges, noting that rising unilateralism and conflicts in recent years have led to significant loss of lives and property.

“As people responsible for defence and security, it is time for us to introspect and take effective measures to tackle this situation,” he said. (Agencies)