Op Sindoor our right to counter Pak-sponsored terror: Rajnath Singh at SCO meet in China
PTC News Desk: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asserted India's firm stand against terrorism while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China.
Reiterating India's uncompromising approach, Singh said, "India's zero tolerance for terrorism is manifest today through its actions. This includes our right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We have shown that epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe and we will not hesitate to target them," said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting.
Building on this firm stance, Singh emphasised the growing need to address the roots of extremism, especially among the youth. Highlighting the importance of countering radicalisation, Singh said, "We should also take proactive steps to prevent the spread of radicalization among our youth. The RATS mechanism of SCO has played a significant role in this regard. The joint statement of the Council of SCO Heads of State on 'Countering Radicalization leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism' issued during India's Chairmanship symbolises our shared commitment."
He also stressed that nations supporting terrorism must be held accountable. "It is imperative that those who sponsor, nurture and utilize terrorism for their narrow and selfish ends must bear the consequences. 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."
Reiterating India's position, Singh added, "India's zero tolerance for terrorism is manifest today through its actions. This includes our right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We have shown that epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe and we will not hesitate to target them."
Referring to a recent terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said that 26 innocent civilians, including a Nepali national, were killed in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, in a brutal attack carried out by 'The Resistance Front' (TRF).
- ANI
