Rajnath Singh Refuses to Sign SCO Joint Statement Over Pahalgam Omission

During the SCO meeting in China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declined to sign a joint statement, citing the omission of the Pahalgam terror attack that had resulted in numerous casualties. The statement mentioned Balochistan instead, seemingly accusing India, which Singh found unacceptable. His comments during the meeting stressed the need for accountability in terrorism and highlighted India’s firm stance against cross-border threats.

In a notable development during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Qingdao, China, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took a strong stance by refusing to sign a joint statement. The decision stemmed from the document’s omission of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack from April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities, primarily among tourists. News agencies reported Singh’s refusal on June 26, highlighting that this was not just a reshuffling of priorities but a matter of national stance.

While the joint statement mentioned Balochistan, seemingly accusing India of inciting unrest in the region, it neglected the tragic events in Pahalgam. This exclusion appears to have been influenced by Pakistan, with China’s current chairmanship of the SCO playing a pivotal role. Singh’s refusal to sign the statement was described by sources as a way to uphold India’s position on terrorism and its impact.

News agency ANI reported sources asserting that India’s dissatisfaction was firmly rooted in the language of the joint document, which acknowledged incidents within Pakistan yet ignored the significant terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Thus, there was no joint communique after the SCO meet, further emphasizing the rift between member nations regarding counter-terrorism rhetoric.

Singh has been vocal about India’s stance on terrorism, calling out the need for accountability of those involved in terrorist acts. He stated, “We reiterate the need to hold the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of reprehensible acts of terrorism… SCO members must condemn this evil unequivocally.” His comments highlight the urgency and seriousness with which India approaches the ongoing threat of terrorism, particularly in the context of recent attacks.

The attack in Pahalgam was attributed to ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF), which is associated with the UN-designated terror group, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Singh detailed, “On 22 April 2025, the terror group carried out a dastardly attack on innocent tourists… 26 innocent civilians, including a Nepali national, were killed.” His insistence on linking the Pahalgam attack to past attacks attributed to LeT showcases India’s focus on recognizing patterns within cross-border terrorism.

In response to such threats, Singh emphasized India’s operational strategies against terrorism, referencing the successful launch of Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure across the borders. Singh remarked, “These threats do not respect national boundaries, and they demand a unified response rooted in transparency, mutual trust, and collaboration.”

Moreover, Singh underscored the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) as a significant entity for preventing the spread of radicalization, particularly among the youth. He remarked on the collective responsibility of member states in combatting radicalization, emphasizing proactive measures to counter this growing concern.

The two-day meeting, involving defense leaders from various member states, reflects the ongoing commitment of nations such as India, China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries toward addressing regional security and stability. The SCO, established in 2001, aims to facilitate cooperation and dialogue among its members, with India joining as a full member in 2017 and holding the rotating Chairmanship in 2023. China now leads as the Chair for 2025 under the theme ‘Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.’

As geopolitical tensions shift within the region, the implications of Singh’s refusal and the implications of the omitted Pahalgam attack will likely resonate within diplomatic and security discussions in the coming months.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s refusal to sign a joint SCO statement highlights India’s uncompromising stance on national security, particularly regarding terrorism. The omission of the Pahalgam attack from the document reflects ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as the dynamics within the SCO. Singh’s bold statements reaffirm India’s position on counter-terrorism and its commitment to regional stability, while also emphasizing the need for cooperative strategies against radicalization among youth.

Original Source: www.livemint.com

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