At SCO Meet, Rajnath Calls for Dismantling the Entire Ecosystem of Terrorism

International Relations & Security · 21 October 2026 · Based on The Hindu (original report)

Worth reading — New development — a live issue with two sides, good for Mains, no past question yet.

2-minute summary

At the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly urged member states to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism. Emphasizing that there can be no justification or double standards for terrorism, he highlighted the threats it poses to investment, commerce, and societal harmony, while condemning those who finance, support, or provide safe havens to terrorists. The meeting also focused on strengthening economic and trade cooperation, adopting a multilateral trade and economic cooperation action plan for 2026–2030, and reviewing regional connectivity initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port. Mr. Singh underscored that connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Furthermore, he highlighted India's digital public infrastructure, start-up ecosystem, and upcoming initiatives like the SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum to be hosted by India later in 2026.

Why it's in the news

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India at the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where he articulated India's firm stance on cross-border terrorism and regional connectivity.

Facts to remember

The 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The SCO member states adopted an action plan for multilateral trade and economic cooperation for the period 2026-2030.
Permanent SCO bodies established include the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe.
India proposed to host the inaugural SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum by the end of 2026.
Key connectivity initiatives discussed included the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port.

Background and context

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, international security, and defence organisation established in Shanghai in 2001 by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined as full members at the Astana summit in 2017, and Iran became a full member in 2023. The SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, works to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism. India has consistently used SCO platforms to highlight the menace of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, while also engaging in regional economic integration and connectivity frameworks like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

International organisations

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) — A Eurasian security and economic bloc comprising India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations, focusing on regional security, counter-terrorism, and trade.
Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) — A permanent organ of the SCO based in Tashkent, designed to promote cooperation of member states against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Mains practice: Examine the strategic significance of India's engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in countering regional security challenges and fostering economic connectivity.

India's engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a cornerstone of its Eurasian policy, balancing strategic autonomy with regional security cooperation. As highlighted at recent forums, the SCO provides a vital multilateral platform to address transnational security threats and promote connectivity.

• Security and Counter-Terrorism: The SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) enables intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism coordination. India utilizes this platform to push for dismantling cross-border terror ecosystems, cutting off terror financing, and curbing radicalisation.

• Regional Connectivity: Engagement with the SCO facilitates access to Central Asian markets through frameworks like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port, diversifying India's energy and trade corridors while insisting on respect for territorial sovereignty.

• Economic and Multilateral Cooperation: Participation in initiatives like the multilateral trade and economic cooperation action plan (2026-2030) helps build resilient supply chains and address global food and energy uncertainties.

• Cultural Diplomacy: Initiatives such as the SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum foster soft power and historical linkages among Eurasian civilisations.

Way Forward:

- Enhance operational effectiveness of SCO counter-terror mechanisms by preventing safe havens for designated entities.

- Streamline regulatory and customs procedures along connectivity corridors like the INSTC to reduce trade friction.

- Strengthen institutional coordination among permanent bodies like the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe.

Conclusion:

India's proactive engagement in the SCO underscores its commitment to regional stability, economic integration, and a rules-based security architecture anchored in sovereign equality and mutual respect, aligning with broader global peace goals under the UN framework.

Prelims practice questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): 1. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the SCO headquartered in Tashkent. 2. India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO during the Astana summit in 2017. 3. The 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government was hosted in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. How many of the above statements are correct?

Only one
Only two
All three
None

Answer: C. All three statements are correct. The SCO RATS is indeed headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan; India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017 at Astana; and the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Q2. Which one of the following statements is correct with respect to India's strategic initiatives and policy priorities within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?

India strictly limits its SCO participation exclusively to bilateral trade pacts, excluding security matters.
India emphasizes that regional connectivity projects must uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
India acts as the permanent chair of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure since the inception of the SCO.
India relies entirely on maritime corridors through the Atlantic Ocean for Central Asian connectivity.

Answer: B. Option B is correct because India consistently maintains that connectivity initiatives like the INSTC and Chabahar Port must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Option A is wrong because security is a core pillar of India's SCO engagement. Option C is factually incorrect. Option D is incorrect as maritime access to Central Asia is not via the Atlantic Ocean.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding India's approach to multilateral forums: Statement-I: India uses platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to advocate for dismantling cross-border terror ecosystems without double standards. Statement-II: The SCO Charter mandates that all member states must adopt a common currency for intra-bloc trade settlements. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is incorrect

Answer: C. Statement-I is correct as India consistently calls for dismantling terror financing and safe havens at SCO meets. Statement-II is incorrect because the SCO does not mandate a common currency for its member states.

Revision flashcards

Where is the headquarters of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)? Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
In which year did India and Pakistan become full members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? 2017 (at the Astana summit).
Which city hosted the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in October 2026? Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
What key transport corridor connecting Central Asia was emphasized by India at the SCO meet in October 2026? The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port.
Why does India place strong emphasis on counter-terrorism cooperation within the SCO framework? To counter cross-border terror financing, safe havens, and radicalisation that threaten regional trade, investment, and national security.