India’s Bold Stand at SCO Defence Meet
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, on June 25–26, 2025, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint statement. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) later clarified that India could not agree because the statement failed to address critical concerns related to terrorism. According to the MEA, the disagreement stemmed from the objections of “one particular country” involved in the talks.
The Core Issue Behind India’s Refusal
India insisted that the joint declaration should explicitly mention the Pahalgam terror attack, which took place on April 22, resulting in the tragic deaths of 26 innocent civilians, mostly Hindu pilgrims. India demanded that the statement highlight the issue of cross-border terrorism and the responsibility of state sponsors of terrorism.
However, the final draft included references to violence in Balochistan, avoiding any mention of Pahalgam. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained,
“India wanted the statement to reflect our serious concerns regarding terrorism, but this was opposed by one specific country, preventing consensus.”
Rajnath Singh’s Strong Message
In his speech at the meeting, Rajnath Singh emphasized that
“Peace and development cannot coexist with terrorism.”
He called upon SCO member nations to jointly hold accountable those who “organize, finance, support, and shelter terrorists.” While he did not name any country directly, his remarks were seen as a clear reference to Pakistan, accusing certain nations of using cross-border terrorism as a tool of policy.
Singh further stated that the world must reject double standards when it comes to tackling terrorism.
Pahalgam vs. Balochistan: The Diplomatic Rift
The controversy centered on the draft statement’s mention of militant activity in Balochistan, while completely omitting the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian officials viewed this as an intentional effort to avoid holding Pakistan accountable, instead diverting attention to other issues.
Reports indicate that China and Pakistan resisted India’s efforts to include references to Pahalgam, leading to the diplomatic standoff.
Outcome: No Joint Declaration Issued
Since the SCO functions on the principle of unanimous decision-making, the disagreement meant that the defence ministers’ meeting concluded without a joint statement—an uncommon and notable outcome.
The MEA made it clear that India would not endorse any document that does not sincerely address its fundamental security concerns, especially those related to terrorism.
Implications for the Region
➤ India’s Message Is Clear
India’s refusal sends a strong signal about its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and its expectation that international forums like the SCO take a fair and consistent stand on security issues.
➤ China-Pakistan Nexus Highlighted
The opposition from China and Pakistan shows their continued alignment on regional narratives, especially on sensitive security matters.
➤ SCO’s Credibility Questioned
This incident raises serious questions about the SCO’s ability to operate as a neutral and effective security platform if certain members continue to block consensus on global terror threats.
The Road Ahead
Despite this diplomatic setback, India remains committed to cooperation within the SCO, particularly in areas like security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. However, India has made it clear that it will not compromise on matters related to terrorism and national security.
This episode could set the tone for future interactions at the SCO, especially during the upcoming SCO Summit later this year, where discussions are expected to continue on this sensitive issue.
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