Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reiterated India's long-standing position that global conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military confrontation, declaring that "war can never be the answer to war" while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Speaking at a time when multiple conflicts continue to affect different regions of the world, Singh stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiations and diplomatic engagement. He warned that military responses often create prolonged cycles of violence rather than sustainable solutions.

According to Singh, India's approach remains firmly rooted in conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. He argued that allowing disputes to escalate into armed confrontation risks creating an endless chain of warfare that ultimately benefits no nation.

The Defence Minister also urged greater cooperation among SCO member states in combating terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime. He noted that these interconnected threats pose serious challenges to regional stability, economic growth and cross-border connectivity.

Highlighting the economic consequences of terrorism, Singh said extremist violence not only claims innocent lives but also disrupts trade, discourages investment and damages commercial activity. He further observed that terrorism contributes to the radicalisation of societies and deprives young people of opportunities that are essential for their development and prosperity.

Reiterating India's consistent position on counter-terrorism, Singh said there must be no double standards in dealing with terrorist threats. He called for coordinated international action to dismantle the entire support structure behind terrorism, including financiers, facilitators and those providing safe havens to terrorist groups.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was among the leaders present at the meeting, underscoring the significance of the gathering amid continuing regional security concerns.

On economic matters, Singh expressed India's support for the SCO Action Plan for 2026-2030 aimed at implementing the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation. He emphasised that the effectiveness of the initiative would ultimately depend on practical measures that improve trade flows and market access across member states.

He identified faster customs clearance procedures, mutual recognition of standards, dependable payment mechanisms and predictable freight movement as critical areas requiring attention. Singh added that India stands ready to share its experience and expertise in these sectors to strengthen regional economic integration.

The Defence Minister underlined that the true relevance of the SCO should be measured by its ability to deliver tangible benefits to the people of member countries. He suggested that regional cooperation must ultimately translate into improved economic opportunities, stronger connectivity and enhanced security for citizens across the SCO region.

Drawing attention to India's deep historical and civilizational ties with Central Asia, Singh noted that traders, pilgrims and ideas had moved across the region for centuries, creating enduring cultural links. As an example, he referred to the renowned reclining Buddha statue at Ajina Tepe in southern Tajikistan, describing it as evidence of the historical spread of Buddhism from India into Central Asia.

On the sidelines of the summit, Singh also held separate meetings with Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda and Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and avenues for strengthening cooperation with both countries.

The SCO, which brings together major Eurasian nations and represents a significant share of the world's population, has increasingly focused on regional security, counter-terrorism cooperation, connectivity and economic integration. India's intervention at the Dushanbe meeting reinforced its emphasis on diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and a unified regional response to terrorism and transnational crime.