Thu Jun 26 03:36:47 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, where he strongly condemned terrorism and called for unified global action against it, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those who sponsor and harbor terrorists. He highlighted India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, citing the Pahalgam terror attack as an example of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s actions. Singh also urged the SCO to criticize nations with double standards in combating terrorism. The visit occurs amidst efforts to restore India-China ties. A meeting with the Pakistani Defence Minister is not anticipated.

**News Article:**

**India Calls for Unified Front Against Terrorism at SCO Meeting**

**Qingdao, China – June 26, 2025:** Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong message against terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China. In his address, Singh emphasized the need for global unity in combating terrorism and holding accountable those who sponsor and provide safe havens for terrorists.

“Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism,” Singh stated, marking his first visit to China since “Operation Sindoor.” He further added, “It’s imperative that those who sponsor, nurture, and utilize terrorism for their narrow and selfish ends must bear the consequences.”

Singh called for the SCO to actively criticize nations that display double standards in combating terrorism. Highlighting India’s zero-tolerance policy, Singh referenced the Pahalgam terror attack, where terrorists targeted tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. “The pattern of the Pahalgam terror attack matched with Lashkar-e-Taiba’s previous terror attacks in India,” he noted.

“There is a need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism accountable,” Singh said. “Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation.”

The visit comes as India and China are working towards restoring diplomatic and trade relations. While Singh is expected to meet with Defence Ministers from other SCO member states, including Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, sources indicate that a meeting with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif is not planned.

Read More