India Refuses to Sign SCO Joint Statement in China Over Exclusion of Terror Concerns
Delhi: In a strong diplomatic stand, India declined to endorse the joint statement issued at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, citing the lack of reference to terrorism, particularly the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the SCO communiqué on Thursday, asserting that the document downplayed India’s core concerns on terrorism and even included references to militant activities in Balochistan, which India views as a diversionary tactic.
India’s Stand: Zero Tolerance for Terrorism
In his address to the SCO Defence Ministers, Singh condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a “dastardly and heinous act” carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of UN-designated Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including a Nepali national, with victims allegedly targeted based on their religious identity.
“Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the hands of non-state actors. Those who shelter and support terrorism must face consequences,” Singh said.
He further emphasized:
- India’s right to self-defence against terrorism
- Zero tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism
- Need for SCO to adopt a stronger position and end double standards
India supports greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members. We should collectively aspire to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of our people as well as tackle today's challenges. We must all be in lockstep in our endeavour in strengthening stability and security…
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) June 26, 2025
India has sought to build consensus on dealing with global challenges on the basis of motto One Earth, One Family, One Future, which is founded on ourcivilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). Mutual understanding and mutual benefit must be our…
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) June 26, 2025
India has been consistent and steadfast in its policy in support of peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance to Afghan people and contributing to Afghanistan’s overall developmental needs. As…
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) June 26, 2025
No Consensus on Joint Statement
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting concluded without a joint statement, due to disagreement among member nations over the inclusion of terrorism-related issues.
“India advocated for stronger language on terrorism, but one country objected,” MEA stated, without naming the country.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting cross-border terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, reinforcing its firm stand on pre-emptive counterterrorism operations.
On the sidelines of the SCO meet, Defence Minister Singh held separate discussions with his counterparts from:
- Russia
- Tajikistan
- Kazakhstan
- Belarus
These bilateral meetings focused on defence cooperation, regional stability, and counterterrorism collaboration.
India’s refusal to sign the statement marks a rare but assertive stand at a multilateral forum, urging the SCO to act decisively against nations that sponsor and harbor terrorists. It signals India’s growing impatience with vague, non-committal language on global terror threats, especially as it prepares to escalate counterterror operations in the region.
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