Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member-nations on Friday to collectively work towards eliminating terrorism in all its forms and fix accountability on its supporters, in an oblique reference to Pakistan.

 

 

There was also a veiled attack on China. With Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu listening, Singh told the SCO conclave of defence ministers that India envisioned a robust framework of regional cooperation which "mutually respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states by taking care of their legitimate interests".

 

 

“If a nation shelters terrorists, it not only poses a threat to others, but for itself too. Radicalisation of youth is a cause of concern not only from the point of view of security, but it is also a major obstacle in the path of socio-economic progress of society. If we want to make the SCO a stronger & more credible international organisation, our top-most priority should be to effectively deal with terrorism,” Rajnath Singh said according to Defence Ministry statement.

 

 

Rajnath Singh said that India envisions a robust framework of regional cooperation which mutually respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states by taking care of their legitimate interests. He asserted that New Delhi strives to further bolster trust and cooperation among the members of the SCO as it believes in maintaining peace and security based on the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.

 

 

During his bilateral talks with Russia's defence minister General Sergei Shoigu, Singh underscored strengthening of the India-Russia military partnership, expressing satisfaction over the continued trust and mutual respect in the ties.

An Indian readout of the meeting said Singh and Shoigu discussed the Russian defence industry's participation in the "Make in India" initiative in the defence manufacturing sector.