India Urges Consistent Approach to Counter-Terrorism at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China has highlighted India’s unwavering commitment to a unified global strategy against terrorism. His strong message emphasized the need for consistent application of anti-terrorism measures, rejecting double standards and selective approaches that undermine collective security efforts.

The Importance of a Unified Front

Doval’s address underscored the critical need for all SCO member states to adopt a unified and unwavering stance against terrorism in all its forms. He stressed that inconsistencies in applying anti-terrorism measures only embolden terrorist organizations and create vulnerabilities that threaten regional and global stability. Selective targeting of terrorist groups, based on political expediency rather than objective threat assessment, is a dangerous path, he argued.

Addressing Double Standards in Counter-Terrorism

A central theme of Doval’s message was the rejection of double standards in the fight against terrorism. He implicitly criticized nations that differentiate between “good” and “bad” terrorists, a practice that undermines the effectiveness of international cooperation. The fight against terrorism, he insisted, requires a holistic and impartial approach, where all terrorist organizations are treated with equal severity, regardless of their stated goals or perceived political affiliations.

The SCO's Role in Global Security

The SCO, a prominent Eurasian political, economic, and security organization, plays a significant role in maintaining regional stability. Doval’s participation underscores India’s commitment to leveraging the platform for collaborative counter-terrorism initiatives. He likely emphasized the importance of information sharing, joint operations, and coordinated sanctions against terrorist groups operating within the SCO’s geographical sphere of influence. The summit provided a crucial opportunity to foster closer collaboration among member states on this critical issue.

Consequences of Inconsistent Policies

Doval likely highlighted the potential consequences of inconsistent counter-terrorism policies. These include:

• Increased terrorist activity: Selective targeting allows certain groups to thrive while others are suppressed, leading to a shifting landscape of threats.
• Erosion of trust: Double standards undermine the credibility of international counter-terrorism efforts and erode trust between nations.
• Weakened global security: Inconsistency undermines collective security efforts, leaving gaps for terrorists to exploit.

In conclusion, Doval’s participation at the SCO summit served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for a unified, consistent, and impartial approach to counter-terrorism. India's advocacy for a stronger, more collaborative framework emphasizes its commitment to global security and its leadership in tackling this complex challenge.