Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China on Thursday, June 26. During his address, Singh highlighted several important global issues, stating that the world is undergoing a drastic transformation at present. He pointed out that weakening of multilateral systems has made it harder to address urgent challenges from maintaining peace and security to rebuilding economies after the pandemic. Without naming Pakistan directly, Singh maintained that some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists.
Beginning his address, he thanked the hosts for their hospitality and congratulated Belarus on joining the SCO as a new member.
Defence Minister said, “It is my pleasure to be here in Qingdao to participate in the SCO Defence Ministers meeting. I would like to thank our hosts for their warm hospitality. I would also like to congratulate Belarus on joining the SCO family as a new member. The world we live in is undergoing a drastic transformation. Globalisation, which once brought us closer together, has been losing momentum.”
Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu
Speaking further, he cited India’s stand on global challenges and belief that no country however large and powerful, can manage alone. Singh stressed that reformed multilateralism can help build cooperation to prevent conflict between countries by creating mechanisms for dialogue and collaboration. He even quoted a Sanskrit saying ‘Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu’ while highlighting his points. It is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to “May All People Be Happy” and is used as a prayer for universal well-being and peace.
The Defence Minister firmly stated that one of the biggest challenges that the region is facing is related to peace, security and trust deficit. He even highlighted the root cause of these problems, which he said are radicalisation, extremism and terrorism. Singh called for collective action and unity to fight against these evils for the betterment of humankind.
“Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups. Dealing with these challenges require decisive action and we must unite in our fight against these evils for our collective safety and security,” added Singh.
Rajnath Singh Takes Jibe At Pakistan
Singh reiterated that policy of some countries includes providing shelter to terrorists, which should be condemned by the SCO. He added that there should be no place for such hypocrisy on the issue of terrorism. While he didn’t call out Pakistan directly, Singh tried to position India’s strong stand against countries harbouring terrorists and engaged in cross-border terrorism.
“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. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations,” Singh stressed.
India Exercised Its Right To Defend: Rajnath Singh On Operation Sindoor
In his address, he mentioned the Pahalgam terror attack and how India exercised its right to defend against terrorism and deter further cross border terrorist attacks through ‘Operation Sindoor.’
“The pattern of Pahalgam terror attack matches with LeT’s previous terror attacks in India. In exercising its right to defend against terrorism and pre-empt as well as deter further cross border terrorist attacks, India on 7th May 2025 successfully launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle cross border terrorist infrastructure,” said Defence Minister.
