Rajnath Singh Honors Gandhi in Dushanbe, Calls for Global War on Terror
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Dushanbe and calls for a collective fight against terrorism at the SCO meeting.
In a poignant blend of diplomacy and remembrance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on Bukhoro Street in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The visit took place while the Minister was representing India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting, where leaders from member nations gathered to discuss regional stability and cooperation.
A New Cultural Bridge: SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum
During his address to the SCO Council of Heads of Government, Rajnath Singh unveiled a significant cultural initiative. He announced that India will host the first-ever SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum by the end of this year. This forum is designed to strengthen mutual understanding and deepen the cultural ties between all member countries, and the Defence Minister extended a formal invitation to all SCO nations to participate.
Strengthening Central Asian Bonds
Underscoring the strategic importance of the region, Singh highlighted the enduring friendship between India and Tajikistan, as well as the broader close ties India shares with Central Asian countries. He reflected on the 25-year milestone of the SCO, noting that the recent Summit in Bishkek served as a critical juncture for leaders to review the organization's past achievements and chart a course for its future trajectory.
Zero Tolerance for Terrorism
Turning to security, the Defence Minister delivered a stern message regarding the global menace of terrorism. He described it as one of the most severe threats to peace and development, emphasizing that its impact extends beyond the tragic loss of innocent lives.
Singh pointed out that terrorism:
- Disrupts international commerce and investment.
- Leads to the radicalization of society.
- Deprives the youth of essential opportunities.
He called for an uncompromising, collective approach to dismantle the entire ecosystem that sustains terrorism. Specifically, he asserted that there should be no double standards in dealing with the threat, insisting that those who provide safe havens, financial support, or any form of assistance to terrorists must find no place in the international community.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
On the sidelines of the primary gathering, Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with key regional leaders, including Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda and Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref. During these interactions, he reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for concrete steps to enhance connectivity, security, and economic opportunities across the SCO region.
The meeting also saw the presence of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar among the attending representatives.