SCO Becomes More Critical as Global Unilateralism Rises: Indian Defence Minister
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Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Bishkek on Tuesday morning.
"The world today is facing a reality check in the form of increasing unilateralism and conflicts. We are experiencing a fraying consensus and frequent contestation," stated Singh.
The 10-nation SCO holds a "particularly pivotal role" in today’s world as it becomes more fractured and nations are becoming increasingly "inward-looking", Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the Eurasian group's Defence Ministers' Meeting being held under Kyrgyzstan's presidency in Bishkek. The Beijing-headquartered politico-security grouping comprises China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus as its permanent members.
Boosting security cooperation among SCO states is one the key priorities of the Kyrgyz presidency, which is themed on "25 years of the SCO: together towards sustainable peace, development and prosperity".
Singh noted that the SCO meeting was taking place against the backdrop of "unprecedented crises" in the world.
Boosting security cooperation among SCO states is one the key priorities of the Kyrgyz presidency, which is themed on "25 years of the SCO: together towards sustainable peace, development and prosperity".
Singh noted that the SCO meeting was taking place against the backdrop of "unprecedented crises" in the world.
"A series of conflicts over the last few years led to loss of precious lives and property with a disturbing frequency. As people responsible for defence and security, it is time for us to introspect and take effective measures to tackle this situation," Singh said.
He described the "tendency to question the established rule-based world order" as the real crisis of the world at present.
"We must focus on a global consensus where co-existence, cohabitation and compassion take precedence over chaos, competition and conflict... We should not allow it to become an era of violence and war but an era of peace and prosperity," Singh remarked.
The Indian delegate also flagged the growing challenge from the "three evils" of extremism, radicalism and terrorism in the emerging global order, while recalling that the "common fight against terrorism" was a foundational principle of the SCO.
He said that SCO's Regional Anti -Terrorist Structure (RATS) has a significant role to play, laying emphasis on SCO's joint statement on ‘Countering Radicalization leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ issued during the Indian presidency.
Recalling the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22 April, Singh said that the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir "shook the entire humanity".
He said that SCO's Regional Anti -Terrorist Structure (RATS) has a significant role to play, laying emphasis on SCO's joint statement on ‘Countering Radicalization leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ issued during the Indian presidency.
Recalling the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22 April, Singh said that the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir "shook the entire humanity".
"During Op Sindoor, we demonstrated our firm resolve that terrorism epicentres are no longer immune to justifiable punishment. Last year the Tianjin Declaration brought out our firm and collective stance against terrorism. We must not lose sight of state sponsored cross-border terrorism which attacks the very sovereignty of a nation state. There is no place for any double standards and SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who abet, shelter and provide safe havens to terrorists," Singh underscored.
Singh urged the SCO to act as a "consistent guardian of international standards".
On the margins of the SCO meeting, Singh also held a meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov to discuss bilateral defence cooperation, an Indian statement said. Singh also discussed the regional security situation with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun.
