Ajit Doval urges SCO nations to reject ‘double standards’ on terrorism, seeks joint information operation

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China on June 24, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called on member countries to take a uniform stand against terrorism and end what he termed “double standards” in the fight against terror.

He emphasized that those involved in cross-border attacks—perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors—must be held accountable.

Doval specifically cited concern over UN-proscribed groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Al Qaeda, ISIS, and their regional affiliates.

He highlighted India’s recent Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourist civilians. He described the response as “measured and non-escalatory” and reiterated its goal to dismantle terror infrastructure without fuelling wider conflict.

Doval also proposed a joint information operation among SCO countries to counter terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the digital domain.

He stressed that all forms of terror—especially cross-border attacks—should be regarded as “crimes against humanity."

During his visit, Doval also held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, underscoring the importance of cooperation on terror-related threats to ensure regional peace.

His remarks come ahead of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's address at the summit, where he is expected to reinforce calls for collective action against Pakistan-backed terrorism.