Rajnath Singh tells SCO 'no double standards on terrorism' with Pakistan's Ishaq Dar present
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said there can be 'no double standards on terrorism', Hindustan Times reported on 20 October. He spoke at the SCO with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar present. Singh called terrorism 'one of the gravest threats to development'. He said it harms more than the victims directly affected, according to the report. Separately, news reports said Singh met Iran's Vice-President and Tajikistan's Prime Minister.
The SCO brings India and Pakistan into the same room, so a statement on terrorism there is read as a message to Islamabad as well as to the group. The phrase 'double standards' targets selective condemnation of attacks.
The remarks shape how India frames security cooperation inside regional bodies, which can affect joint statements and agreements.
India's framing is that terrorism must be condemned without exception, and the SCO is the forum to say so.
Pakistan's side, with Ishaq Dar present, has its own positions on the issue, though the report excerpt did not give Dar's reply.
Confirmed: Singh's remarks and Dar's presence. Not confirmed: any response from Dar or a joint SCO text. Watch the final SCO statement.
DailyDrop India edition No. 17 · Morning · WED., OCT. 21, 2026