Rajnath Singh Leaves Dushanbe After High-Stakes SCO Summit
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh concludes his visit to Tajikistan, calling for a collective fight against terrorism and announcing a new Civilisation Forum.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has departed for New Delhi following the conclusion of his official visit to Tajikistan, where he represented India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting. Upon his departure from Dushanbe, he was seen off at the airport by Tajikistan Defence Minister Emomali Sobirzoda.
A Call to Dismantle the Ecosystem of Terror
During the high-level gathering, the Defence Minister delivered a stern warning regarding the global threat of terrorism. He emphasized that the fight against terror must be uncompromising and collective, noting that such violence does more than just claim innocent lives—it actively cripples economic growth and steals the future of the youth.
Singh pointed out that terrorism disrupts commerce and investment while radicalizing societies. In a strong appeal to the member states, he demanded an end to "double standards" in counter-terrorism efforts. He urged the SCO nations to ensure that those who finance, support, or provide safe havens to terrorists are not protected, insisting that the entire ecosystem supporting these activities must be firmly dismantled.
Strengthening Cultural and Regional Ties
Beyond security concerns, India is looking to deepen its cultural footprint within the organization. Rajnath Singh announced that India will host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum by the end of this year. He extended a formal invitation to all member countries to participate in this initiative, which aims to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cultural bonds across the region.
Reflecting on the 25-year journey of the SCO, Singh highlighted the importance of the organization's future direction. He specifically noted the deep-rooted friendship India shares with Tajikistan and the broader significance of India's bonds with Central Asian nations.
Diplomatic Engagements and Tributes
The visit was marked by several key diplomatic encounters and symbolic gestures:
- High-Level Meetings: On the sidelines of the main summit, Singh held discussions with Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda and Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
- Tribute to Gandhi: In a moment of reflection, the Defence Minister paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on Bukhoro Street in Dushanbe.
- Regional Focus: The broader SCO discussions centered on critical themes including economic development, regional cooperation, connectivity, and shared security challenges.
The Defence Minister's address recalled previous discussions from the SCO Summit in Bishkek, reiterating India's commitment to the organization's achievements and its role in shaping a secure and prosperous regional future.