International Relations · GS2.9, GS3.8, GS2.10 · 2026-10-20 · 3 min read · 2026-10-20-pm
India Urges Unified Action Against Terrorism at 25th SCO Heads Meeting
At the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting in October 2026, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for dismantling the entire ecosystem of terrorism, emphasizing no justification or double standards in addressing it. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants to understand India's counter-terrorism diplomacy and its role in regional security cooperation within the SCO framework.
India advocates for collective dismantling of terrorism's ecosystem and stresses inclusive economic cooperation at the 25th SCO Heads of Government Meeting.
Why is this in the news?
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting on October 20, 2026, calling for unified efforts to dismantle terrorism and promoting economic cooperation among member states.
What did India emphasize about terrorism at the SCO meeting?
- Unified action against terrorism. India called upon SCO member states to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, describing it as a grave threat to peace and development.
- No justification or double standards. India stressed that there can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it, and no place for those who finance, support, or provide safe havens to terrorists.
- Impact of terrorism. Terrorism results in loss of innocent lives, disrupts investment and commerce, radicalizes societies, and deprives youth of opportunities.
How does India view economic cooperation and connectivity within SCO?
- Inclusive and mutually beneficial engagement. India believes economic engagement in SCO should be inclusive and mutually beneficial for all member states, adhering to sovereign equality, consensus, and mutual respect.
- Action Plan for 2026-2030. India supports the adoption of the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme Action Plan for 2026-2030 to strengthen trade, investment, and technology cooperation.
- Connectivity initiatives. India supports projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port to connect Central Asia with broader markets, emphasizing that connectivity must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Beyond physical connectivity. India advocates simplifying customs, promoting digital documentation, improving logistics, and adopting interoperable digital solutions to reduce business costs across the region.
What are India's contributions and initiatives highlighted at the SCO meeting?
- Digital Public Infrastructure. India highlighted its Digital Public Infrastructure that transformed public service delivery and enhanced financial inclusion.
- Start-up ecosystem and women-led development. India has built one of the world’s largest start-up ecosystems and emphasizes women-led development as key to shaping growth.
- Global initiatives on clean energy and climate. India’s initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE, and Global Biofuel Alliance promote clean energy and sustainable development.
- SCO institutional developments. India welcomed the establishment of the Universal Centre in Tashkent and Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent SCO bodies, stressing effective coordination and timely execution.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 25th | Number of the SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting held in 2026 | |
| 2026-2030 | Period covered by the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme Action Plan supported by India | |
| 2017 | Year India became a full member of the SCO |
Back to basics: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance that promotes cooperation among member states in areas such as security, trade, and cultural exchange. It aims to enhance regional stability and economic development through consensus-based decision-making and respect for sovereignty. India became a full member in 2017 and actively participates in its mechanisms.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about India's role in the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting: 1. India called for dismantling the entire ecosystem of terrorism with no justification or double standards. 2. India opposed the establishment of the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent SCO bodies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (a). Statement 2 is incorrect because India welcomed the establishment of these permanent SCO bodies, not opposed them.
Mains question (15 marks)
Examine India's approach to counter-terrorism and economic cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Examine: Explain India's stance on terrorism and its strategy for economic cooperation in the SCO context.
Intro: India actively engages in the SCO to promote regional security and economic cooperation.
- India calls for unified action to dismantle terrorism's ecosystem, rejecting any justification or double standards.
- It advocates inclusive, mutually beneficial economic engagement respecting sovereignty and consensus.
- India supports connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor and digital solutions to enhance trade.
- India highlights its own development initiatives and global clean energy efforts as contributions to SCO cooperation.
Conclusion: India's approach in the SCO reflects its commitment to regional peace, security, and sustainable economic growth.
Quick revision
- What is India's position on terrorism at the SCO meeting?
- India called for dismantling the entire ecosystem of terrorism with no justification or double standards.
- Which action plan did India support at the SCO meeting?
- India supported the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme Action Plan for 2026-2030.
- When did India become a full member of the SCO?
- India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.
Sources
- [1] Press Information Bureau: 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting: Raksha Mantri calls for unified action to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism · 2026-10-20 · official
- [2] The Hindu: Ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly and collectively ‘dismantled’: Rajnath Singh at SCO meet · 2026-10-20 · newspaper