Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India at the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 20 October 2026. During the important regional gathering, he called on member countries to work together to dismantle the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism.
He also highlighted the need for stronger economic cooperation, better connectivity, investment and technological development. His address placed India's security concerns alongside its broader vision of regional cooperation and shared economic growth.
The meeting was significant because it brought together representatives of SCO member countries to discuss issues affecting regional stability and development. For India, the platform offered an opportunity to express its position on terrorism while encouraging practical cooperation in trade, innovation and infrastructure.
Singh's remarks were particularly important as he stressed that countries must not apply double standards when dealing with terrorism. His address also underlined India's continued participation in the organisation's economic and security-related initiatives.
Singh travelled to Dushanbe to represent India at the two-day meeting held on 19 and 20 October. The gathering focused on strengthening cooperation among SCO members in areas such as trade, investment, transport connectivity, innovation and cultural exchanges. It also reviewed ongoing initiatives and discussed the organisation's financial and institutional functioning.
During his address on 20 October, the Defence Minister described terrorism as one of the biggest threats to peace and development. He argued that terrorist activities do not only cost innocent lives but also damage investment, business and opportunities for young people. He urged member countries to take coordinated action against those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorist groups.
India's position was clear: terrorism should not be viewed differently depending on political interests. Singh called for a united approach to dismantling the networks and support systems that allow terrorist organisations to operate. His remarks reinforced India's longstanding demand for consistent international cooperation against terrorism.
Beyond security, the minister spoke about the importance of stronger economic partnerships. He highlighted the need for resilient supply chains, smoother trade and greater investment among SCO countries. He also referred to the proposed Action Plan for Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation covering the period 2026–2030, which aims to encourage practical collaboration between member states.
Singh also highlighted India's experience in digital public infrastructure, financial inclusion and start-up development. He pointed to initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE and the Global Biofuel Alliance as examples of India's contribution to international cooperation.
Another important development discussed at the meeting was the establishment of the SCO Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent bodies of the organisation. Singh welcomed these decisions and stressed that effective coordination and timely implementation would be essential to achieving their objectives.
The minister also invited SCO member countries to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which India is scheduled to host later in 2026. The initiative is intended to encourage cultural understanding and people-to-people connections among participating countries.
India has been a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation since 2017 and continues to participate in its various regional cooperation mechanisms. Singh's address in Dushanbe reflected India's effort to balance security concerns with economic development, connectivity and closer international partnerships. The meeting concluded with member countries adopting a joint communiqué and decisions concerning the organisation's future cooperation plans.
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