Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, 28 April addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, asserting that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to punitive action. Singh called for a collective, uncompromising global stance against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, rejecting any political justification for such acts.

Operation Sindoor as a Statement of Intent

Rajnath Singh invoked Operation Sindoor as a defining signal of India's counter-terrorism posture. "Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's firm resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment," he told the SCO gathering. The minister underscored that the global community must remain alert to the threat posed by state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, which he said directly undermines the sovereignty of nations.

He was unequivocal that there is no room for selective approaches or double standards when confronting such threats. "Terrorism has no nationality and no theology. Nations must take a firm and collective stance against terrorism," Singh stated.

Call to Dismantle Safe Havens and End Double Standards

Singh pressed the SCO to take decisive steps against those who support, shelter, or facilitate terrorist activities. "By tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism without exception, we transform regional security from a challenge into a cornerstone for peace and prosperity," he said. He highlighted the organisation's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and referenced the Tianjin Declaration of the previous year as a reflection of India's zero-tolerance approach and collective commitment against terrorism and its perpetrators.

Notably, Singh also pointed to the joint statement issued during India's SCO Chairmanship on countering radicalisation as evidence of a shared commitment among member nations — a framework he argued must now be matched by consistent action.

Vision for a Rules-Based, Orderly World

Moving beyond counter-terrorism, Singh articulated a broader vision for global governance. "Do we need a new world order or a world which is more orderly?" he asked, arguing that the real crisis today is not the absence of order but the tendency to question the established rules-based framework. He called for a global consensus where "co-existence, co-habitation and compassion take precedence over chaos, competition and conflict."

Invoking the ancient Indian philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' — the world is one family — Singh positioned it as a spirit of global unity that transcends differences of race and religion. He also cited Mahatma Gandhi's warning that "an eye for an eye makes everyone blind," urging defence ministers to measure every action by its impact on the poor and the vulnerable.

SCO's Growing Relevance Amid Global Uncertainty

Singh reaffirmed India's belief that the SCO holds a crucial and growing role in an era of increasing global unpredictability. Member countries held detailed discussions on security, terrorism, radicalisation, and their broader implications for peace and stability. The gathering also acknowledged the significance of 2026, which marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO's founding, with members noting that the organisation's relevance has grown sharply amid rising global fragmentation.

Singh reiterated India's commitment to contributing constructively to the SCO's objectives, stressing that stronger cooperation and mutual trust — grounded in equality and respect — can position the bloc as a beacon of peace and prosperity.