SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who abet, shelter and provide safe havens to terrorists: Rajnath Singh
English Text of RM’s speech at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).
It is an honour to speak before this distinguished gathering under the leadership of the Kyrgyz Republic. At the outset, I thank our hosts for their warm welcome and generous hospitality, and congratulate them for their
effective leadership of the SCO amid a
challenging global and regional
security landscape.
The SCO is home to some of the world’s most ancient civilisations. Our region radiates the entrepreneurial spirit of ancient trade routes and the bravery and courage of our people. We share unique ethos where civilisations criss-cross, communities interact and commerce intertwines with inter-cultural exchanges.
Excellencies, SCO holds particularly pivotal role in today’s world where, world view appears fractured and countries are becoming increasingly inward-looking.
The world today is facing a reality check in the form of increasing uni-lateralism and conflicts. We are experiencing a fraying consensus and frequent contestation.
Excellencies, we are meeting today in the backdrop of unprecedented crises in our world. A series of conflicts over the last few years led to loss of precious lives and property with a disturbing frequency. As people responsible for defence and security, it is a time for us to introspect and take effective measures to tackle this situation.
At the same time, we are also facing a growing challenge in the form of extremism, radicalism and terrorism. Terrorism has become the most serious threat to the emerging world order. It is in this backdrop, that the SCO emerged as an organisation, based on our shared values. SCO has condemned such acts and ideologies in a common fight against terrorism. Thus, counter-terrorism is a foundational principle of this organisation.
Excellencies, just a couple of days back, on 22 April, we remembered the victims of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The carnage in Pahalgam had shook the entire humanity. During Op Sindoor, we demonstrated our firm resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment. Last year the Tianjin Declaration brought out our 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. 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.
In this context, the Regional Anti -Terrorist Structure of SCO has played a significant role. The joint statement of the Heads of State on ‘Countering Radicalization leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ issued during India’s Chairmanship symbolises our shared commitment in this regard. Tackling these three evils requires a unified front that eliminates safe havens and rejects any political exceptions. 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.
These days, we often hear calls for a new world order. Do we need a new world order or a world which is more orderly? We need an order where every citizen of this world is treated with dignity and respect. We need an order where differences do not become disputes and disputes don’t precede disasters. The real crisis today is not of a non-existent order but a tendency to question the established rule-based world order. We must focus on a global consensus where co-existence, co-habitation and compassion take precedence over chaos, competition and conflict.
Since SCO represents a significant section of the world population, we have a responsibility to ensure peace and stability not only in our region, but in the world as a whole. We should continue to follow the path of dialogue and diplomacy and not of unrelenting force. We should not allow it to become an era of violence and war, but an era of peace and prosperity. Let me recall the message of Mahatma Gandhi that an eye for an eye makes everyone blind and before every action we must remember how that action can make a difference to the life of a poor and needy.
As people responsible for defence and security, we have the responsibility to uphold this spirit of brotherhood and harmony. 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.
The SCO’s capacity to turn this shared vision into reality will determine whether or not it can play a constructive role in an emerging global order. India believes that SCO has all the requisite strength and resolve to significantly contribute towards peace and stability. The ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam embodies this sense of togetherness, overcoming all differences of race and religion.
Excellencies, Let me conclude by reiterating that India remains committed to contribute constructively to the implementation of the SCO’s mandate. We strongly advocate that greater co-operation and mutual trust among SCO members based on equality, mutual respect and deeper understanding can make this organisation a beacon (बीकन) of hope and peace. I am confident that our deliberations today would further deepen the understanding of our shared security challenges and explore new areas for future cooperation in the defence and security arena.
A peaceful future for our region requires the SCO to act as a consistent guardian of international standards. By tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism without exception, we transform the regional security from a challenge into a cornerstone for peace and prosperity. Our success lies in cooperating with clarity and a single-minded purpose. Let us together put forth our best efforts to achieve these noble goals and objectives.
Thank you.