Rajnath Singh tells SCO meet no double standards on terror, with Pakistan's representatives present

India has once again firmly raised the issue of terrorism at an international forum. Speaking at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave a clear message that terrorism must not be supported under any circumstances. India has suffered a great deal because of terrorism, he said, and innocent civilians as well as brave soldiers have lost their lives.

Addressing Pakistan, Singh said a double standard of speaking against terrorism on one hand and sheltering it on the other would not be accepted. Pakistan's representatives were present at the meeting and the remark was made in front of them, so the statement is drawing particular attention. The stand is also being discussed.

Speaking at the SCO forum, Singh said terrorism is not the problem of one country alone but a serious challenge to the security of the whole world. He said promoting, aiding or supporting terrorism in any form should not be tolerated. Giving shelter to terror groups or financing them also falls under this, he said.

He also said countries cannot adopt selective stances while fighting terrorism. Condemning a terror attack in one country while indirectly assisting such actions elsewhere is a contradiction that must end, he said. Singh underlined that the role of all countries in this fight must be clear and honest.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also present at the meeting, which is why Singh's remarks drew special notice. India has earlier raised the issue of the alleged support it says comes from Pakistan at several international forums.

Singh said a firm stand is necessary against terror acts that threaten India's security. The international community should question those establishments that shelter terrorists and ignore their activities. His position conveyed the message that, in facing terrorism, humanity and the world's security should be placed above political convenience.

The impact of terrorism is not limited to the security system. It also affects the lives of ordinary people, trade, tourism, investment and economic growth. The instability created by terror incidents slows the pace of development in many countries.

Against this backdrop, the responsibility of a body such as the SCO grows. Member states need to share information, coordinate between intelligence agencies and make action against terror networks more effective. Meetings and condemnation alone will not end terrorism; a joint effort is needed to strike at its roots.

Through this meeting, India has once again made clear that no compromise on terrorism will be acceptable. The main message of Singh's statement is that every country that speaks against terrorism should show the same stand through its actions.