Tashkent

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to unitedly fight terrorism and eliminate the menace in all its forms.

Addressing the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting at Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Wednesday, the union minister asserted that terrorism in any form, including cross-border terrorism, when committed by anyone and for whatever purpose, is a crime against humanity.

"Terrorism is one of the most serious challenges to global peace and security. India reiterates its resolve to fight all forms of terrorism and make the region peaceful, secure and stable. We seek to develop joint institutional capabilities with the SCO member states, which, while respecting the sensitivities of each country, create the spirit of cooperation among individuals, societies and nations," Rajnath Singh said.

In this context, the minister proposed to host a workshop in India in 2023 for the Defence Ministries of SCO Member States.

He also suggested an annual seminar on 'Topic of Interest' among the defence think tanks of SCO countries. "We propose to organise the first such Defence think tank seminar in India in 2023," he added.

Expressing India's concern over the situation in Ukraine, Rajnath Singh stated that New Delhi supports talks between Russia and Ukraine to resolve this crisis.

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Rajnath Singh invited all SCO Member States to visit India next year when New Delhi takes over the presidency of the Organisation from Uzbekistan.