SCO Chairmen’s Council 25th meeting: Defence Minister calls for collective action to eradicate the entire terrorism network

• Terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances, no double standards can be applied in dealing with it, and there is no place for its supporters
• Connectivity with all countries should be based on consultation and respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity, says Rajnath Singh
• The success of the SCO lies in creating opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, farmers and small businesses

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged SCO member states to make a collective effort to eliminate the entire terrorism network. He described terrorism as one of the gravest threats to peace and development. He was addressing the 25th meeting of the SCO Chairmen’s Council (CHG) on 20 October 2026 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The defence minister said terrorism claims innocent lives, adversely affects investment and trade, fuels extremism in society and deprives youth of the opportunities they deserve. He reiterated that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances, no double standards should be adopted in tackling it, and there should be no space for those who provide financial support, endorse or give safe haven to terrorists.

Rajnath Singh referred to the discussions at the SCO summit held in Bishkek in August‑September 2026. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stressed the need for the organisation to take concrete steps on security, connectivity and opportunities. The defence minister highlighted India’s view that economic cooperation should be inclusive and mutually beneficial for all member states. He said, “India believes the SCO must remain committed and steadfast to the principles of sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect. An increase in the number of institutions does not automatically translate into greater achievements.” He added that new mechanisms should focus on clearly identified needs, avoid duplication of work and prioritise delivering practical benefits to member countries.

The defence minister emphasized the need to build consensus within the SCO and translate it into concrete action to address uncertain global economic conditions arising from geopolitical tensions, disruptions in trade and supply chains, energy and food security concerns and emerging technological divides. He highlighted the need to strengthen resilient supply chains, facilitate trade and investment and harness technology to accelerate development. Stating that the benefits of economic cooperation must reach all sections of society, Singh confirmed India’s support for adopting a work plan for a multilateral trade and economic cooperation programme for the 2026‑2030 period.

Rajnath Singh welcomed the decisions taken at the Bishkek SCO summit to establish a universal centre in Tashkent and a drug‑control centre in Dushanbe as permanent bodies of the organisation. He said the effectiveness of these centres will depend on better coordination, efficiency and timely execution of tasks.

The defence minister stressed the importance of connectivity for shared prosperity, saying India supports initiatives that link markets, ease trade and open new development opportunities. He noted that projects such as the International North‑South Transport Corridor and Chabahar port can play a vital role in connecting Central Asia to larger markets.

Rajnath Singh stressed that connectivity with all countries must be based on consultation and respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity. He warned that projects not grounded in these principles cannot be sustainable. The defence minister also highlighted the need for broader measures beyond physical connectivity to reduce trade costs across the region, including simplifying customs procedures, promoting digital documentation, improving logistics and adopting interoperable digital solutions.

The defence minister referred to the forum on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia held in Mumbai earlier this month, thanking Central Asian nations and SCO partners for their active participation. He also mentioned the inaugural SCO Asian Economic Dialogue.

Rajnath Singh said, “Our success should be measured by how many opportunities we create for youth, how many new markets we open for entrepreneurs, what technologies we make available to farmers and small traders, and what kind of relationships we build among diverse societies.”

The defence minister said India’s development experience shows the immense capacity of technology and innovation to accelerate growth and provide solutions to problems. He cited the country’s digital public infrastructure, which has transformed service delivery and promoted financial inclusion. Singh said India has built one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems. He added that the country’s emphasis on women‑led development is based on the recognition of women’s crucial role in shaping development pathways.

Singh emphasized that India’s global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Disaster‑Resilient Infrastructure Alliance are promoting affordable clean energy and climate‑compatible development. He said the ‘Mission LIFE’ programme encourages sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption, while the ‘Global Bio‑Fuel Alliance’ promotes clean and more sustainable energy solutions.

The defence minister urged the SCO to build on the strong foundation laid over the past 25 years and craft a future‑oriented framework focused on consensus‑based cooperation and tangible results. He reiterated India’s commitment to work with all member states to achieve these goals. Singh invited member countries to participate in the first SCO Civilization Dialogue to be hosted by India at the end of this year.

The meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation among SCO member states and discussed measures to further strengthen collaboration in areas such as transport, finance, digital economy and social development.

Heads of delegations adopted the joint declaration of the 25th SCO Chairmen’s Council, which includes the SCO budget for 2027, related financial and administrative decisions, and the work plan of the PMTEC for 2026‑2030.

The SCO Chairmen’s Council is a key mechanism of the organisation, responsible for promoting economic and other practical cooperation among member states. India has been a full SCO member since 2017 and has actively participated in various SCO mechanisms.