India Rejects SCO Joint Statement Over Terrorism Softening
India took a bold stand at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ summit in Qingdao on June 26 by refusing to sign the joint communique, citing inadequate language on terrorism. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made it clear that India would not endorse any document that fails to explicitly and strongly condemn terrorism, especially in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
Singh reportedly objected to the communique’s diluted phrasing on terrorism, which he said appeared to downplay the threat and failed to mention recent attacks like the one in Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks were a direct criticism of both Pakistan and China, who allegedly resisted calls for stronger condemnation of terror acts and cross-border militancy.
SCO Summit Fallout
This is the first time India has withheld support for a final declaration at the SCO Defence Ministers’ meet. The absence of a joint statement underscores deepening divisions within the regional grouping on the issue of terrorism, especially as some member states continue to avoid naming state sponsors of terror.
During his address, Rajnath Singh stated, “Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism,” and emphasized the need for concerted action against terrorist sanctuaries and financing networks. He pointedly warned that “epicentres of terror will no longer be safe,” referring to India’s cross-border counterterror operations such as Operation Sindoor.
India’s Strategic Posture
Singh also reiterated India’s right to self-defence and highlighted its commitment to regional peace through decisive action. He called for better cooperation on counter-drone measures, cyber-security, and deradicalization programs, asserting that half-measures and political ambiguity on terrorism would only embolden extremist actors.
India’s firm rejection of the joint communique marks a turning point in its engagement with multilateral security forums like the SCO. While it remains committed to the group’s core principles, New Delhi has signaled that national security and zero-tolerance for terrorism will not be compromised in the name of diplomatic consensus.
This visit also marked Rajnath Singh’s first to China since the 2020 Galwan clash, adding another layer of geopolitical significance to the move. With this stance, India has drawn a clear red line within the SCO framework—either the group unites in unequivocally confronting terrorism, or consensus documents will lose their relevance.
