Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Rejects SCO Joint Statement Over Omission of Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a decisive move underscoring India’s firm stance against terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ joint statement during the meeting held in Qingdao. His decision came after the draft omitted any reference to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives, while controversially highlighting militant activity in Balochistan.

India Upholds Strategic Autonomy on Counter-Terrorism

Minister Singh’s refusal to endorse the document reflects India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and its zero-tolerance policy toward cross-border terrorism. The Indian delegation objected to the selective narrative presented in the proposed statement, particularly its silence on recent terrorist atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir.

In his official address at the SCO forum, Mr. Singh condemned the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, carried out by the Resistance Front (TRF)—a proxy of the UN-designated terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The attack targeted tourists based on religious profiling, killing 26 civilians, including one Nepali national.

“The selective approach to terrorism undermines the purpose of regional cooperation,” Mr. Singh stated, emphasizing the need for a unified global stand against terrorism in all its forms.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Counter-Terror Response

In a swift and strategic response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, aimed at dismantling cross-border terror infrastructure and preventing further attacks. The operation showcased India’s proactive stance in securing national borders and ensuring regional stability.

SCO Fails to Issue Joint Statement Amid Terrorism Dispute

Due to strong disagreements over the representation of terrorism-related issues, particularly the exclusion of the Pahalgam attack and the inclusion of Balochistan references, the SCO bloc ultimately decided not to release a joint statement.

Pakistan and China, both present at the meeting, were seen as attempting to shift the narrative, prompting India to take a principled stand. Pakistan has frequently accused India of interfering in Balochistan—allegations India has categorically denied.

Key Takeaways from SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting

• The SCO meeting included participation from 10 member states, including India, China, Russia, and Pakistan.
• Core discussions centered on regional peace, counter-terrorism efforts, and military cooperation.
• India firmly opposed any one-sided or politically motivated references that ignored genuine concerns about cross-border terrorism.

Minister Singh’s visit to China was part of a scheduled two-day diplomatic engagement at the SCO, where India reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security, but not at the cost of compromising its national interests.