Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the only way to fight the scourge of terrorism is to strengthen and implement all existing international laws and mechanisms without exceptions or double standards. Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan today, Mr Singh said, terrorism continues to disrupt the societies and undermine the developmental endeavours and it is important for SCO countries to come together to deal with the menace.

The Defence Minister congratulated Russia for successfully holding the SCO Joint Military Exercise  CENTER 2019 in Orenburg aimed at evolving drills of the participating armies in the fight against terrorism. He said, SCO brings together forty per cent of the world’s population and the successful cooperation within the framework of  SCO, therefore, is of great significance of the world. Mr Singh said, economic cooperation is the foundation of cementing the future of the people and ensuring them a better life. He said, unilateralism and protectionism have done good to none. He said, in the context, India remains committed to a transparent, rules-based, open, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its centre.

The Minister said, SCO must set the example for successful mutually beneficial cooperation. Even as the process of globalization has opened up immense opportunities for the growth of the countries, it has also brought to the fore challenges as well. He said,  these new threats are multidimensional, complex and transnational in nature and what is worse, they have a disproportionately adverse impact on developing countries.

Defence Minister said, climate change, terrorism, endemic poverty and inequality can only be defeated together, not alone. He said, there is a need for approaches, which are inclusive, transparent and firmly anchored in multi-lateralism. He added that successful multi-lateralism also needs adherence to core principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference and mutual cooperation.

Mr Singh said, India is committed to providing an enabling economic ecosystem for partner countries to do business and also invest in India. He said, recently, India has announced relaxed FDI reforms, allowing 100 per cent foreign investment in coal mining and contract manufacturing, eased sourcing norms for single-brand retailers and approved 26 per cent overseas investment in digital media.

The Minister said, India has embarked on an ambitious Make in India programme and there are ample opportunities for SCO countries to enter into collaborative joint ventures in India. He said, significant work has already been undertaken towards improving Ease of Doing Business in India. Mr Singh said, India strongly supports the initiative to facilitate cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises within the SCO. He said, SCO Members can work together for technology and investment support to food processing and put in a supporting logistics chain.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the 18th Meeting of Council of SCO Heads of Government in Tashkent as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.