Qingdao: India has declined to endorse the joint statement issued at the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting, citing dissatisfaction over the document's failure to adequately address the issue of cross-border terrorism.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who represented India at the summit held from June 25 to 26 in Qingdao, refused to sign the final communiqué, according to sources cited by PTI. The Indian delegation objected to the absence of a strong and clear commitment from member states on tackling terrorism, particularly attacks originating across borders.
Singh’s firm stance followed India’s concerns raised during the summit about rising terrorist activities, particularly the deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. The Indian government has linked the assault to the alleged Pakistan-backed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliate, The Resistance Front.
In his address to SCO counterparts—including defence leaders from China, Russia, and Central Asian nations—Singh emphasized the urgent need for unified and decisive action against terrorism. He stressed that there should be "no double standards" in the global fight against radicalization and extremist violence.
“The most significant threats to our region are rooted in increasing radicalisation and terrorism,” Singh said. “These challenges demand coordinated responses. India has demonstrated zero tolerance towards terrorism and retains the right to act in self-defence.”
Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched 'Operation Sindoor', targeting allegedly militant infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administrated Kashmir. The operation sparked a four-day military standoff between the two countries.
Due to India’s refusal to endorse the declaration, the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting concluded without a joint statement—marking a rare instance of discord among the bloc's members on issues related to security cooperation.
