In a latest development from the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting, India has refused to sign the joint declaration at SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation). This comes after India expressed dissatisfaction with the language of the joint document. Reportedly, the document didn’t mention the terrorist attack in Pahalagam, but included the incidents that occurred in Pakistan. According to a report by NDTV, while skipping any mention of Pahalgam, the document mentioned Balochistan, tacitly accusing India of creating unrest there. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India at the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao, China on Thursday, June 26. 

Notably, addressing the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting, Rajnath Singh had strongly reaffirmed India’s stand towards terrorism. In his address, he mentioned the Pahalgam terror attack and how India exercised its right to defend against terrorism and deter further cross border terrorist attacks through ‘Operation Sindoor.’

Singh reiterated that policy of some countries includes providing shelter to terrorists, which should be condemned by the SCO. He added that there should be no place for such double standards on the issue of terrorism. While he didn’t call out Pakistan directly, Singh tried to position India’s strong stand against countries harbouring terrorists and engaged in cross-border terrorism. Singh called for collective action and unity to fight against these evils for the betterment of humankind.

“The pattern of Pahalgam terror attack matches with LeT’s previous terror attacks in India. In exercising its right to defend against terrorism and pre-empt as well as deter further cross border terrorist attacks, India on 7th May 2025 successfully launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle cross border terrorist infrastructure,” said Defence Minister.