Rajnath Singh Condemns Pakistan’s Double Standards on Terrorism at SCO Meet

In a sharp and direct message delivered at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in China, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly criticized Pakistan, stating that those who sponsor terrorism must face consequences. His remarks underscore India’s long-standing position on the global stage that there is no place for double standards when it comes to terrorism.

The message was not just a bilateral one aimed at Pakistan, but a broader call to the global community and SCO members to take a united and uncompromising stand against terrorism. Singh’s powerful words put the spotlight once again on the urgent need for global accountability and action.

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Pakistan Sponsor Terrorism: Rajnath Singh Calls Out Hypocrisy

In his address, Singh pointed out the dangerous implications of turning a blind eye to state-sponsored terror. Without naming Pakistan directly, he said, “Terrorism in any form is a grave threat to humanity. Those who sponsor terrorism must be held accountable and punished. There is no room for double standards.”

This pointed critique was clearly targeted at Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism across borders, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir. Over the years, India has faced numerous terror attacks linked to groups supported from across the border, and Singh’s comments come in the backdrop of increasing pressure on the global community to recognize Pakistan’s role in harbouring and aiding such elements.

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India’s Stance on Terrorism Firm and Unwavering

India has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. From the 2008 Mumbai attacks to the Pulwama bombing in 2019, the country has endured heavy losses at the hands of terror outfits that India claims are supported by Pakistan’s military establishment.

Singh reaffirmed this commitment, adding that any state that continues to provide safe haven to terrorists is not only endangering regional peace but also challenging the sovereignty and security of other nations.

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International Support Grows for India’s Stand

In recent years, India’s stance on terrorism has found growing resonance on global platforms. Countries like the United States, France, and Australia have shown increased solidarity with India’s concerns about Pakistan’s role in terrorism. Singh’s remarks at the SCO meeting only serve to amplify these concerns, bringing them to the center stage of one of Asia’s most prominent multilateral forums.

He further emphasized that SCO as a regional grouping must adopt a firm stance against terrorism and extremism, and not allow political considerations to dilute its response.

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Pakistan’s Response and China’s Balancing Act

While Pakistan has repeatedly denied any involvement in terrorism and has positioned itself as a victim of terror, its credibility on the international front has weakened. Singh’s remarks are expected to put diplomatic pressure on Islamabad, especially within multilateral setups like the SCO.

China, playing host to this round of the SCO defence ministers’ meeting, has traditionally maintained close ties with Pakistan. However, it has also increased its engagement with India through trade and strategic dialogue. Singh’s speech is likely to test China’s balancing act between its two key South Asian partners.

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Strategic Implications for South Asia

The issue of Pakistan sponsor terrorism remains central to the security challenges in South Asia. Rajnath Singh’s hard-hitting comments aim to mobilize global opinion and push for a uniform definition and response to terrorism, free from political expediencies.

The Indian defence minister’s address sends a strong signal—not just to Pakistan—but to all SCO members, that peace cannot be achieved without confronting the root causes of extremism.

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SCO’s Role in Counter-Terrorism Under Scrutiny

The SCO, which includes countries like Russia, China, India, and Pakistan, has often been criticized for its limited effectiveness in combating terrorism due to internal differences among member states. Singh’s comments could serve as a catalyst for reforming and revitalizing the organisation’s counter-terror mechanisms.

India, which has been advocating for deeper intelligence-sharing, coordinated action, and mutual legal assistance, wants the SCO to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete actions against terrorism, especially from state actors.

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Conclusion: Time for Action, Not Words

Rajnath Singh’s speech in China may not have named Pakistan outright, but the message was unambiguous. With terrorism continuing to pose a grave risk to global peace and stability, Singh urged SCO members to recognize that state support for terrorism cannot be ignored or justified.

His bold stance against Pakistan sponsor terrorism is a continuation of India’s larger foreign policy focus—where security, accountability, and zero tolerance for terror are non-negotiable principles.

As Singh rightly concluded, “Terrorism must be condemned in all forms, and those who shelter terrorists must be isolated and made to pay the price.”