'Terrorism has no nationality, no theology': Rajnath Singh at SCO meeting in Bishkek, cites Operation Sindoor

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday reiterated that India's Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack last year, demonstrated the nation's firm resolve that 'terror epicentres' are no longer immune to 'justifiable punishment'.

Singh was addressing a conclave of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek and called upon the SCO to not lose sight of 'state-sponsored' cross-border terrorism and also argued that there should not be any place for any 'double standards' in combating the menace, a reference widely seen as a warning to Pakistan.

"Operation Sindoor is proof of our zero tolerance approach towards terrorism and its supporters," Singh said.

"It was a testimony to our zero-tolerance outlook towards terrorism and its perpetrators, which was endorsed by this esteemed Forum. But the real test of our collective credibility remains in consistency. We must not forget that terrorism has no nationality and no theology. No grievance, real or supposed, can become an excuse for terrorism and humanitarian loss," Singh added.

The defence minister also emphasised that the SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who "abet, shelter and provide safe havens" to terrorists.

Recalling the declaration unveiled at last year's SCO summit in China's Tianjin , the defence minister said it 'brought out firm and collective stance against terrorism'.

The SCO, comprising India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus, is an influential economic and security bloc that has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations.

It was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Pakistan became its permanent member along with India in 2017. Iran joined the grouping in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.