Peace And Prosperity Can't Co-Exist With Terrorism: Rajnath Singh At SCO Summit

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the SCO Summit said some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while speaking at the SCO Summit in China, said the biggest challenges that "we are facing in our region" are related to peace, security and trust deficit. The root cause of these problems is increasing radicalisation, extremism and terrorism, he said.

"Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups. Dealing with these challenges requires decisive action and we must unite in our fight against these evils for our collective safety and security," he added.

The Defence Minister said some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists. "There should be no place for such double standards. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations," he further said at the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting.

India Consistent In Supporting Peace: Rajnath Singh At SCO

Singh highlighted how India has been consistent and steadfast in its policy in support of peace, security and stability in Afghanistan "As Afghanistan's largest regional development partner, India continues to implement capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people," he said at the meeting.

Singh said India supports greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members and all should collectively aspire to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of our people as well as tackle today's challenges. "We must all be in lockstep in our endeavour to strengthen stability and security in our neighbourhood. India has sought to build consensus on dealing with global challenges on the basis of the motto 'One Earth, One Family, One Future,' which is founded on our civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- the world is one family. Mutual understanding and mutual benefit must be our guiding principles," he said.

Rajnath Singh On COVID-19

Singh, while speaking on COVID-19, said the pandemic has laid bare the fact that pandemics recognise no boundaries and that no one is safe till everyone is safe. He said this is a warning sign of how non-traditional security challenges like pandemics, climate change, food and water security and associated societal disruption can impact our people's lives.

He added that these emerging challenges cannot be addressed without responsible policies and cooperation among nations.