SCO Meet: 'Peace demands trust, cooperation', Rajnath Singh says in presence of Chinese counterpart

Moscow, Sept 5: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted saying, "Peaceful, stable and secure region of SCO member states – which is home to over 40 per cent of the global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each other’s interest and peaceful resolution of differences," in the presence of Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe.

 

 

The Minister was addressing the Combined Meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) the Member States in Moscow on Friday. "If I may borrow an idea articulated by our Prime Minister in a different context, our goal should be ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region”, he added.

 

 

Singh started his address by paying condolences to "families of those perished from the COVID Pandemic and whose lives are devastated". He also recalled "tens of millions of martyrs and sacrifice of an entire generation suffering destruction and agony in the Second World War – or “Great Patriotic War”, as our Russian brothers and sisters recall those years".

 

"This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War as well as the formation of the United Nations, which underpins a peaceful world, where international laws and sovereignty of States are respected and States refrain from unilateral aggression on another. India’s participation in the Victory Parade on 24th June 2020 in Moscow was homage from India to the unparalleled contribution of Soviet people to free this world of Fascism, Nazism and their revanchist passion," he added.

 

Clearing stance of India on terrorism faced by the world today, Singh said, "We need the institutional capacity to deal with both traditional and non-traditional threats – above all, terrorism, drug-trafficking and transnational crime. As you all are aware, India unequivocally condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations, and condemns its proponents."

 

Further, he said that India values the works of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS). He praised its recent work in the cyber domain to prevent the spread of radicalism and extremism. "The adoption of anti-terror measures by the SCO Council to counter extremist propaganda and de-radicalisation is a significant decision," he added.

 

Expressing his serious concerns over the situation in the Persian Gulf Region, he said, “India has vital interests and links of civilisation and culture with all States in the Gulf. We call upon countries in the region – all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of each other.”

 

Speaking about the situation in Afghanistan, Singh said, "Security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern. India will continue to support the efforts of the people and Government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process. The SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan is useful for exchanging notes among SCO Member States."

 

Later on, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws. He thanked the Russian Federation for organising the annual anti-terror exercise ‘Peace Mission’, which has contributed to building trust and sharing of experience among Defence Forces.

 

Singh is on an official visit to Moscow from September 3-5 at the invitation of Defence Minister of Russian Federation General Sergei Shoigu.