New Delhi

Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said there must be no double standards in combating terrorism and urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to act against those who support or shelter terrorists.

Addressing an SCO conference in Bishkek, Singh said the organisation must not lose sight of “state-sponsored” cross-border terrorism, in remarks seen as a reference to Pakistan and its alleged support to militant groups.

“We must not lose sight of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism which attacks the very sovereignty of a nation state,” he said.

“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 added.

The defence minister also referred to Operation Sindoor, saying India had shown its firm resolve that terror epicentres were no longer immune from justifiable punishment.

Calling for coordinated global action, Singh said terrorism, extremism and radicalism had become among the most serious threats to the emerging world order. He noted that the SCO was founded on shared values and had consistently condemned such ideologies.

He also spoke about wider geopolitical tensions, saying the world was facing increasing unilateralism and recurring conflicts that had caused heavy loss of life and property.

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“As people responsible for defence and security, it is a time for us to introspect and take effective measures to tackle this situation,” Singh said.