No Protected Havens For Terror: Rajnath Singh Slams Pakistan, Justifies Op Sindoor At SCO Meet

New Delhi: In a daring and uncompromising deal with on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Assembly held in Qingdao, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh firmly reiterated India’s zero-tolerance coverage in the direction of terrorism. He referred to as out Pakistan for perpetuating cross-border terrorism and defended India’s latest counter-terror operation, Op Sindoor, as a reputable and needed act of nationwide self-defence.

Within the backdrop of accelerating regional tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror assault, Singh used the SCO platform to ship a transparent and direct message to nations enabling terror: “Some international locations use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of coverage and supply shelter to terrorists. There must be no place for such double requirements. SCO shouldn’t hesitate to criticise such nations.”

“On 22 April 2025, the fear group ‘The Resistance Entrance’ (TRF) carried out a dastardly and heinous assault on harmless vacationers at Pahalgam within the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.  26 harmless civilians, together with a Nepali nationwide, have been killed. Victims have been shot at after they have been profiled primarily based on their non secular id. The Resistance Entrance, which is a proxy of UN-designated terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed duty for the assault,” he mentioned.

The sample of the Pahalgam terror assault matches with LeT’s earlier terror assaults in India. In exercising its proper to defend towards terrorism and pre-empt in addition to deter additional cross-border terrorist assaults, India on 07th Might 2025 efficiently launched Op Sindoor to dismantle cross-border terrorist infrastructure,” he additional added.

The remarks got here simply weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor on Might 7, 2025, a precision army strike concentrating on terrorist infrastructure throughout the Line of Management. The operation was carried out within the wake of the brutal assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the place 26 civilians, together with a Nepali nationwide, have been gunned down by terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Entrance (TRF), a recognized proxy of the UN-designated terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Singh revealed chilling particulars of the assault, stating that the assailants “profiled victims primarily based on non secular id earlier than opening fireplace.” He emphasised that the sample bore putting similarities to earlier LeT-backed assaults in India.

“The epicentres of terrorism are now not protected. We is not going to hesitate to focus on them,” the Defence Minister asserted. “India’s actions stand as testimony to our proper to defend ourselves and our resolve to dismantle cross-border terror infrastructure.”

Calling for decisive and collective motion from SCO member states, Singh mentioned, “Peace and prosperity can’t coexist with terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction within the fingers of non-state actors and terror teams. Those that sponsor and nurture terrorism should face the results.”

In a pointed enchantment, he urged SCO members to reject geopolitical expediencies and unite in an unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, whatever the motivation or origin. “Any acts of terrorism are felony and unjustifiable, every time, wherever, and by whomsoever dedicated,” he declared.

Past rapid counter-terror efforts, Singh additionally underscored the long-term risks of radicalisation and extremist ideologies, particularly among the many youth. He praised the SCO’s RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Construction) mechanism for its proactive function in curbing radicalisation and careworn the significance of continuous collaborative intelligence and de-radicalisation efforts.

Referencing India’s management throughout its latest SCO chairmanship, he highlighted the joint assertion on “Countering Radicalisation resulting in Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism” as a milestone in collective dedication.

Singh’s speech additionally touched on broader geopolitical themes. He expressed concern over the weakening of multilateral programs and the rise of unilateralism in addressing world challenges, particularly in a post-pandemic world. “No nation, nonetheless massive or highly effective, can handle alone,” he mentioned, advocating for “reformed multilateralism” that encourages equitable cooperation and dialogue.

Quoting the Sanskrit phrase “Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu” (Might all individuals stay in happiness and peace), Singh reaffirmed India’s dedication to constructing a safe and affluent area by means of mutual respect, belief, and shared duty.

“No nation, nonetheless massive and highly effective, can handle alone. In truth, the very thought of a worldwide order, or certainly of multilateralism, is the idea that nations should work with one another for his or her mutual and collective profit. That is additionally reflective of our age outdated Sanskrit saying “Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu” which suggests peace and prosperity to all,” he mentioned.

Reinforcing India’s intent to deepen financial and cultural ties with Central Asia, Singh famous that improved regional connectivity fosters not simply commerce however belief. Nonetheless, he added a vital caveat: such efforts should uphold the “sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states”, a thinly veiled reminder of India’s objections to initiatives just like the China-Pakistan Financial Hall (CPEC), which passes by means of disputed territory in Jammu and Kashmir.

In conclusion, the Defence Minister reaffirmed: “India helps better cooperation and mutual belief amongst SCO members. We should all be in lockstep in strengthening stability and safety in our neighbourhood.”