Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Friday, 13 June told the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) International Conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, that providing safe havens and deploying terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism fundamentally violate the principles of humanity and international relations. His remarks came as the SCO marked its 25th anniversary.

India's Core Message on Terrorism

'We reiterate that providing safe haven, using terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, terror financing, arms and drugs trafficking, dissemination of a radical ideology and abuse of cyberspace to spread disinformation and incite violence go against the basic principles of humanity and international relations,' Singh said at the conference.

The minister stressed that India, alongside its Central Asian partners, remains firmly committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The statement, though not naming any country directly, carries unmistakable resonance given the ongoing tensions in the region following the Pahalgam attack and India's subsequent military response.

SCO at 25: A Moment for Recalibration

Marking the organisation's silver jubilee, Singh described the occasion as an opportune moment for reflection on achievements and recalibration in the face of ongoing disruptions to the global order. He emphasised that for India, the SCO is not merely a regional grouping but a vital link connecting the country with its historical and civilisational partners across Eurasia.

'Our vision for cooperation within the SCO is guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's framework of Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity,' Singh said, underscoring the strategic architecture Delhi brings to the grouping.

Central Asia as a Strategic Node

Singh highlighted Central Asia's pivotal role, describing it as a region at the strategic crossroads of Eurasia — rich in natural resources, largely free from active conflicts, and characterised by traditions of secularism and social harmony. He noted that Central Asia serves as a key node for enhancing regional connectivity and fostering greater economic integration.

Notably, the minister referenced the SCO Leaders' Summit in Tianjin, which had mandated the establishment of two institutions in Central Asia: the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe.

India First to Ratify Both SCO Centres

India has become the first country to complete the ratification process for both the Universal Centre and the Anti-Drug Centre. Singh said their establishment will significantly strengthen collective efforts to combat narcotics trafficking, transnational organised crime, terrorism and terror financing, extremist ideologies, safe havens, and the networks that support them.

'At the same time, these institutions will further enhance the role and leadership of Central Asia in advancing the SCO's security agenda,' he added. The early ratification signals India's intent to position itself as a proactive stakeholder in the SCO's evolving security architecture, even as its relationship with fellow member Pakistan remains deeply strained.

What Comes Next

With the SCO's security and counter-terrorism agenda gaining fresh urgency amid regional instability, India's dual emphasis — on institutional commitments and principled opposition to state-sponsored terror — is expected to shape the organisation's deliberations in the months ahead. The operationalisation of both centres in Tashkent and Dushanbe will be closely watched as a test of multilateral resolve.