India refuses to endorse SCO joint declaration, citing terror concerns

In a sharp pointed diplomatic move, India refused to sign the joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting, citing the exclusion of a recent terror attack in Kashmir and the inclusion of contentious language on Balochistan.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, representing India at the summit held in Qingdao, China, delivered a hard-hitting address that criticised Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism and warned that “epicentres of terror are no longer safe.” Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people, including tourists, were killed, Singh condemned what he called “state-sponsored terror” and warned that India reserved the right to act decisively beyond its borders.

“Peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Those who shelter terrorists must be called out,” Singh said, addressing his counterparts from China, Russia, Pakistan and Central Asian nations.

Despite India’s insistence, the joint draft failed to mention the Pahalgam attack or name terror groups responsible, which New Delhi sees as part of a broader pattern of evasion by China and Pakistan on condemning Islamist militancy linked to Pakistan-based outfits.

Singh also hinted at India’s recent cross-border action, Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces neutralised terror launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While some member states expressed disappointment at the lack of consensus, India’s firm posture was also quietly acknowledged as a principled stand in the face of Pakistan sponsoring terrorism.

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