India has refused to sign the joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting held in Qingdao, China, on June 25-26, 2025. The decision, spearheaded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, stems from India's dissatisfaction with the document's language on terrorism, specifically the omission of concerns regarding cross-border terrorism and the failure to condemn the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that India strongly pushed for the inclusion of a reference to terrorism in the joint statement. However, due to objections from "one particular country," consensus could not be reached, leading to India's refusal to endorse the document. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the final declaration did not adequately address what New Delhi views as a critical regional challenge – terrorism.
During his address at the SCO meeting, Rajnath Singh strongly reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, urging all 11 participating countries to take a united stand against it. He emphasized that the perpetrators, organizers, financers, and sponsors of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, must be held accountable and brought to justice. In a thinly veiled reference to Pakistan, Singh condemned the selective application of counter-terrorism standards, asserting that "there should be no double standards on terrorism" and that "peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism."
Another significant factor influencing India's decision was the exclusion of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which targeted and killed innocent tourists. India insisted that any credible joint declaration on regional security must unequivocally condemn all forms of terrorism, particularly incidents directly impacting member countries. The draft declaration reportedly included references to incidents in Pakistan, which India found unacceptable, viewing it as an attempt to divert attention from the core issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from its western neighbor.
India's firm stance at the SCO meeting underscores its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and holding state sponsors accountable. By refusing to compromise on its principles, India has sent a strong message that it will not allow regional security concerns to be diluted for the sake of consensus. This move reflects a growing assertiveness in India's foreign policy, particularly concerning counter-terrorism, signaling that national security and principled diplomacy cannot be compromised.
Despite the disagreement over the joint statement, India remains committed to engaging with all SCO members based on mutual respect, shared values, and a common commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms. On the sidelines of the SCO meeting, Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Russia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus, discussing defense cooperation and regional security. These interactions highlight India's continued engagement with key partners within the SCO framework, even amidst disagreements on specific issues.
