Defence minister Rajnath Singh, in the presence of Pakistan’s deputy PM and foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Dushanbe, said on Tuesday that there should not be “double standards” on terrorism as it “not only harms innocent lives but also investment and commerce”.Addressing the 25th meeting of the council of heads of govt (CHG) of SCO, Rajnath called upon member states to make concerted efforts to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, describing the menace as one of the gravest threats to peace and development. “Terrorism results in the loss of innocent lives and disrupts investment and commerce. It radicalises societies and deprives youth of the opportunities they rightfully deserve. There can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it, and no place for those who finance, support, or provide safe havens to terrorists,” he said.Hinting at the supply chain disruptions due to the West Asia conflict, Rajnath, who represents India on behalf of PM Narendra Modi, said, “In the changing global economic environment, SCO countries will have to work together on resilient supply chains, better trade and investment, and technology-driven development. India’s vision is clear—ensuring inclusive development for all member countries through security, connectivity, and opportunity.”Pointing out that India supports initiatives that link markets, facilitate trade and create new avenues for development, the minister said that initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar Port can contribute significantly to connecting Central Asia with broader markets. Stressing that the benefits of economic cooperation must reach all sections of society, he reaffirmed India’s support for the adoption of an action plan for the multilateral trade and economic cooperation programme for the period 2026-2030.The minister stressed that connectivity must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, adding that projects not founded on these principles will not be sustainable. He emphasised the need to move beyond physical connectivity by simplifying customs procedures, promoting digital documentation, improving logistics and adopting interoperable digital solutions to reduce the cost of doing business across the region. He urged the SCO to build on the strong foundation established over the past 25 years and chart a forward-looking roadmap focused on consensus-driven cooperation and tangible outcomes.Rajnath recalled the deliberations at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in Aug-Sept, when PM Modi underlined the need for concrete steps by the organisation on issues related to security, connectivity, and opportunity. “India believes that the SCO must remain efficient and steadfast in its adherence to the principles of sovereign equality, consensus, and mutual respect. A greater number of institutions does not necessarily translate into greater achievements. New mechanisms should focus on clearly identified needs, avoid duplication, and prioritise delivering practical value to Member States,” he said.Later at a meeting with the Indian diaspora in Dushanbe, the minister said, “Guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India aspires to become a nation that combines prosperity, knowledge and strength with a commitment to global peace and the well-being of humanity”. Highlighting India’s growth trajectory, Rajnath stated that the country contributes more than 16% to global economic growth and is growing at approximately 7.8%, even as several major economies face a slowdown.He emphasised that India’s economic transformation, reform-driven governance, technological advancement and growing global stature under PM Modi’s leadership are paving the way towards the realisation of this vision.
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Highlighting India’s growth trajectory, Rajnath stated that the country contributes more than 16% to global economic growth and is growing at approximately 7.8%, even as several major economies face a slowdown. Referring to the changing global trade landscape, he said that India has entered into free trade agreements with 38 countries, opening new markets for Indian manufacturers and producers.He stated that the India-UK and India-EU trade agreements, which are expected to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to these markets, would strengthen the country’s trade prospects and global economic partnerships.