Context:
On June 26, 2025, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao, China, India took a clear and firm stance on terrorism by refusing to sign the joint communiqué. The decision was driven by the fact that the document failed to mention the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, while it did highlight the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Pakistan in March.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

·         India strongly criticized the double standards on terrorism and reiterated its “zero tolerance” policy, urging all 11 member states of the SCO to adopt a united front against terrorism.

·         India expressed deep objection to the omission of the Pahalgam terror attack in the SCO joint statement. In contrast, the inclusion of the train hijacking incident in Pakistan was viewed by India as biased and unacceptable.

·         India warned that if terrorist organizations were to gain access to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), it would pose a grave threat to global peace and stability. It stressed the need for decisive global action to counter such threats.

·         By refusing to endorse the joint declaration, India made it clear that it will not compromise on the issue of terrorism, even in the name of consensus.

Why is India’s Stand Significant?
The SCO has traditionally been influenced by Russia and China. However, with Russia preoccupied with the Ukraine war, China’s role within the organization has increased significantly. This year, China is chairing the SCO, and Pakistan remains one of its close allies. Beijing has, in the past, shielded Pakistan from international criticism on terrorism-related issues.
India’s refusal to sign the draft statement is not merely a diplomatic disagreement—it reflects India’s uncompromising stance against terrorism. It underscores New Delhi’s clear message that it will not overlook selective narratives or biased omissions when it comes to matters of national and global security.

About the SCO:
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a major regional group comprising India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. Established in 2001 in Shanghai, the SCO focuses on promoting security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. It also houses a “Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS),” which facilitates intelligence sharing and coordination on terrorism-related issues.

Conclusion:
India has once again demonstrated that it will not tolerate terrorism in any form. Be it cross-border terrorism or double standards adopted by certain nations, India is no longer willing to remain silent or compromise. The Defence Minister’s forthright approach at the SCO signals not only the prioritization of national security but also highlights India’s principled and leadership-oriented stance at global forums.