**Title:** Rajnath Singh Condemns Pakistan’s Cross-Border Terrorism at SCO Meeting
**Meta Description:** Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticizes Pakistan for cross-border terrorism at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting, urging collective action against terrorism.
**URL Slug:** rajnath-singh-pakistan-cross-border-terrorism-sco
**Headline:** Rajnath Singh Addresses Cross-Border Terrorism by Pakistan at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong condemnation of Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Qingdao, China. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic engagement, being the first visit by a senior Indian minister since the Galwan Valley conflict in 2020.
In his address, Singh urged fellow member nations to collectively denounce acts of terrorism, emphasizing the need for a unified stance against such threats. He referenced Operation Sindoor, initiated in response to the Pahalgam attacks, which involved a series of pre-emptive strikes aimed at deterring further terrorist activities and dismantling terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan.
Singh pointedly remarked, “Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists. There should be no place for such double standards. The SCO should not hesitate to criticize such nations.” This statement underscores India’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by terrorism and highlights the importance of accountability among member states.
The Defence Minister also outlined India’s proactive measures to combat terrorism, stating, “We have shown that epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe, and we will not hesitate to target them.” He stressed the importance of preventing radicalization among youth, noting the significant role of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the SCO in this effort. Singh highlighted the joint statement from the SCO Heads of State on countering radicalization, which reflects a shared commitment to tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
During the meeting, Singh, along with his counterparts from various member countries, participated in a group photo session, symbolizing unity among the nations. In addition to the discussions at the SCO, Singh is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun to discuss the resumption of the China-India military hotline.
The Ministry of Defence has indicated that Singh will emphasize India’s dedication to the principles of the SCO, advocating for enhanced international peace and security, and calling for collaborative efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism in the region. The focus will also be on fostering greater trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity within the SCO framework.
In conclusion, Rajnath Singh’s remarks at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting highlight India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism and the necessity for collective action among member states to ensure regional stability and security.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What was the main focus of Rajnath Singh’s speech at the SCO meeting?**
A: Rajnath Singh focused on condemning Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism and urged member nations to unite against terrorism, emphasizing India’s proactive measures and commitment to regional security.
