In a strong diplomatic statement delivered during a high-level regional security meeting, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval declared that any act of terrorism—including cross-border terrorism—is a crime against humanity. The statement was made at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of top security officials held in Beijing, China on June 24, 2025.

Ajit Doval’s remarks at the SCO meet were aimed not only at reaffirming India’s position on terrorism but also at urging the international community, particularly regional players within the SCO, to take decisive action against UN-proscribed terrorist organisations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Al Qaeda, ISIS, and their affiliated groups.

Doval stressed that India is deeply concerned about the persistent threats posed by these terrorist groups, which operate across borders and continue to undermine regional peace and global security. He called out the existence of terror ecosystems that support and enable attacks on civilians and security infrastructure.

Operation Sindoor and India’s Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack

One of the focal points of Doval's address was India's launch of Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism initiative following the gruesome Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 Indian and Nepalese civilians were killed. The attack, executed by The Resistance Front (TRF)—a proxy of the banned LeT—targeted individuals based on religious identity, causing widespread outrage and prompting India to take action.

As part of Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes to dismantle nine terror infrastructure facilities across Pakistani territories on May 7, 2025. These strikes, which were both targeted and non-escalatory, aimed to eliminate militant strongholds and send a message that India will not tolerate terrorism of any kind.

Doval emphasised that India’s military response was measured and restrained, undertaken strictly to deter further terrorist attacks and prevent loss of civilian life. He reiterated that the fight against terrorism must be consistent and devoid of double standards, pointing out that selective condemnation or inaction only emboldens extremist forces.

Doval’s Message at the SCO Meet

At the SCO summit in Beijing, Doval urged member nations to commit to a "joint information operation" against the forces of terrorism, extremism, and separatism. He underscored the need for collaborative intelligence sharing, stricter border surveillance, and zero tolerance for terror financing and sanctuary.

The NSA asserted that terrorist outfits like LeT, JeM, and others rely heavily on transnational support systems, including logistics, funding, and recruitment—all of which need to be shut down collectively by regional actors.

Doval’s remarks also carried indirect references to Pakistan, known for providing shelter and support to these terrorist groups. He insisted that all perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of such cross-border terrorist activities must be held accountable under international law.

This was not the first time India has called out Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. However, by placing the issue at the SCO—a regional body that includes China, Russia, and Central Asian countries—Doval ensured wider diplomatic visibility and regional commitment to India's counter-terrorism narrative.

Meetings with Chinese Officials Amid Border Tensions

In addition to his speech at the SCO platform, Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a bilateral engagement that covered various aspects of India-China relations, especially in the wake of the ongoing border standoff in Eastern Ladakh.

While the talks were cordial, Doval stressed the urgent need to restore mutual trust and normalize ties through continued dialogue and demilitarization efforts. His emphasis on terrorism during this visit also hints at India’s broader strategic concerns, particularly with China’s close relationship with Pakistan.

The Pahalgam Attack: A Turning Point in India’s Counter-Terror Strategy

The Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir is being seen as a turning point in India’s counter-terror strategy. According to intelligence inputs, the TRF militants were ordered to selectively target civilians based on religious identity, a move aimed at inciting communal unrest and disrupting peace efforts in the region.

In response, India invoked its right to self-defence under international norms and launched Operation Sindoor, which was lauded domestically as swift and decisive. This operation has not only inflicted tangible losses on terror infrastructure, but has also signaled India’s readiness to neutralize threats across its borders—without waiting for diplomatic resolutions that may not materialize.

India's Consistent Stand Against Terrorism

Over the years, India has advocated for a uniform global definition of terrorism, proposing comprehensive action plans through the United Nations and other regional platforms. Yet, the lack of unified action and political will has hindered concrete progress, particularly with certain nations shielding terror groups under strategic pretenses.

Ajit Doval's remarks at the SCO reiterate India's consistent demand for sincere global efforts, especially from neighbouring countries, to end terrorism in all its forms. He made it clear that "terrorism is terrorism"—and must not be justified under any circumstance, whether through religious, political, or strategic lenses.

SCO’s Role in Regional Security and Cooperation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which includes major powers such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, plays a significant role in regional cooperation on security, counter-terrorism, and economic development.

However, internal rifts—especially between India and Pakistan—often create roadblocks in implementing effective anti-terror frameworks. By directly calling for collective action and shunning of double standards, Doval challenged SCO members to act with integrity and shared responsibility.

Conclusion: A Call for United Action

Ajit Doval’s powerful address at the SCO security conclave is more than just a policy statement—it is a strategic move to push for regional accountability, coordinated security cooperation, and moral clarity in the global fight against terrorism.

As threats from UN-proscribed terror groups like LeT, JeM, Al Qaeda, and ISIS persist, and with the recent rise in cross-border militant activities, Doval’s message is both timely and necessary. It challenges SCO nations to look beyond political convenience and come together to dismantle the ecosystems that allow terrorism to survive.

Through Operation Sindoor, measured military responses, and clear diplomatic articulation, India has reaffirmed its commitment to securing not just its own citizens but also contributing to global peace and regional stability.

The world is now watching how the SCO, particularly nations like China and Russia, respond to India’s call for unified action—a response that may well shape the future of regional security in Eurasia and South Asia.

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