At the 19th Security Council Secretaries’ meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana on April 3, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval delivered a firm call to member states to eliminate “double standards” in confronting terrorism. He emphasized that all acts of terror—regardless of perpetrators, motives, or location—must be addressed promptly and decisively, and that sponsors, financiers, and facilitators must be held accountable.

Doval spotlighted ongoing threats from UN-designated groups such as Lashkar‑e‑Taiba, Jaish‑e‑Mohammad, Al Qaeda, ISIS and affiliates within the SCO region. He also warned against terrorists’ use of technology—especially drones—to smuggle weapons and narcotics across borders, urging SCO members to strengthen cooperation through the RATS mechanism to combat terror financing.

He condemned recent attacks, including those in Moscow and Pahalgam, and communicated India’s solidarity with affected nations, notably Russia. Expressing concern over Afghanistan’s ongoing security instability, Doval reiterated India’s support for an inclusive government, humanitarian aid, and the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.

Urging respect for national sovereignty amid regional connectivity efforts—implicitly referencing initiatives like China’s BRI—he underscored that such projects must uphold territorial integrity. India also expressed support for Kazakhstan’s SCO presidency and deepening multilateral ties.