New Delhi: Calling upon Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to make concerted efforts to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, defence minister Rajnath Singh said that there should be no place for those who provide safe havens to terrorists.
Addressing the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO in Dushanbe on Tuesday, he said that terrorist activities not only result in the loss of innocent lives but also disrupt investments and commerce.
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"There can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it, and no place for those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists," Singh said, adding that the entire ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly eliminated.
On SCO, Singh said there is a need to build consensus and translate it into concrete action to address the uncertain global economic environment marked by geopolitical tensions, disruptions to trade and supply chains, concerns over energy and food security, and emerging technological divides. "There is a need to strengthen resilient supply chains, facilitate trade and investment, and leverage technology to drive development," he said.
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The minister said India supports the adoption of an Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030. India's belief, he said, is that SCO should remain steadfast in its adherence to the principles of sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect. He also welcomed the decision to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent bodies of SCO.
The minister also reaffirmed India's support for initiatives that link markets, facilitate trade and create new avenues for development. In particular, he mentioned that initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar Port can contribute significantly to connecting Central Asia with broader markets.
Singh further said that connectivity projects should be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, adding that projects not founded on these principles will not be sustainable, in a hint at Chinese initiatives in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.