No place for terror financiers at SCO: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to eradicate the entire terrorist ecosystem, stating there is no place for those who harbor or finance terrorists. Speaking at the 25th Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Singh emphasized that terrorism not only claims innocent lives but also disrupts economic activities.

He reiterated that terrorism cannot be justified, nor should there be double standards in tackling it, nor should there be a place for financiers, supporters, or safe havens for terrorists, adding that eliminating the entire terrorist ecosystem is essential. Singh noted that a consensus must be built and translated into concrete actions to address the global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, trade and supply chain disruptions, concerns over energy and food security, and technological divides.

He advocated strengthening resilient supply chains, facilitating trade and investment, and leveraging technology to foster development. India supports an Action Plan for Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030, emphasizing SCO's commitment to sovereign equality, consensus, and mutual respect. Singh welcomed the creation of the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent SCO bodies.

He also backed initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar Port, which can enhance connectivity between Central Asia and broader markets. Singh stressed that connectivity projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, cautioning against projects founded on such principles, a subtle reference to Chinese initiatives in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.