Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh firmly opposed selective silence on terrorism during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China. He declined to sign the proposed joint statement, pointing out that it made no reference to the terrorist attack that killed 26 people in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22. The Indian Express has confirmation of this decision from government sources. Rajnath Singh
Interestingly, the draft does highlight the March hijacking of the Jaffer Express by the Balochistan Liberation Army in Pakistan, pointing to ongoing unrest in the region. However, Rajnath Singh refused to sign since India’s concern—the Pahalgam attack—was not addressed, indicating that India objects to unequal standards when it comes to denouncing terrorism.
Exposing Terrorism and Its Funders
Singh emphasised in his remarks at the SCO summit that the main issues facing the region are a lack of security, trust, and peace, which is being exacerbated by rising terrorism, radicalisation, and extremism. He stressed that true peace and progress are impossible when weapons of mass destruction end up in the hands of terrorist groups and non-state actors.
“To address these threats, decisive action is needed,” Singh stated, adding that those who encourage, promote, or exploit terrorism for self-serving, limited goals must pay the price.
With a subtle allusion to Pakistan, Singh said: Some nations give terrorists safe havens and employ cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Such double standards have no place here. The SCO should not be afraid to expose them. Rajnath Singh
He also spoke about Operation Sindoor, which India started after the Pahalgam assault, in which the victims were allegedly singled out because of their religious affiliation. Responsibility was claimed by the Resistance Front, which is associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a terrorist organisation proscribed by the UN. Singh observed that the attack’s pattern was similar to that of other LeT operations in India. He reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy for terrorism and affirmed the nation’s right to self-defence.
“We will not hesitate to strike back—terrorist hubs are no longer safe havens,” he declared. He underlined the necessity of holding terrorists and those who support them—including those who plan, fund, and sponsor attacks—responsible. Singh asserted that every act of terrorism—no matter the motive, place, or who carries it out—must be condemned as both criminal and indefensible.
India Demands a Common Front to Combat Radicalisation
Singh called on the SCO countries to take proactive measures to stop young people from being exposed to extreme ideologies. To tackle these challenges, he recognised the importance of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) as a key tool in the fight against terrorism. Rajnath Singh
In reference to India’s 2023 SCO chairmanship, he emphasised the Council of Heads of State’s common declaration on fighting radicalism, separatism, and extremism, which he described as a sign of shared commitment.
Addressing Unconventional Security Risks
Singh also discussed non-traditional security issues, such as the smuggling of drugs and weapons across international borders, which is frequently done with the use of drones and cutting-edge technology. “Traditional borders are no longer sufficient to protect against evolving threats in today’s interconnected world,” he stated. Rajnath Singh
He cautioned about the complex web of global threats—spanning cyberattacks, international terrorism, and hybrid warfare—that extend far beyond national boundaries. He urged a concerted international response built on openness, trust, and collaboration. Singh also discussed food and water insecurity, pandemics, and climate change, emphasising the disruptions these problems cause to society. He asserted that in order to address such cross-border issues, competent policymaking and international collaboration are crucial.
Improving Communication and Cooperation in the Area Singh noted that SCO members account for about 30% of global GDP and 40% of the world’s population. In light of this common interest, he emphasised the need to establish a secure region that fosters growth and prosperity for its people. Additionally, he cautioned that globalisation is stagnating and multilateral institutions are failing, making it more challenging to address post-pandemic concerns like maintaining peace or boosting economies. Rajnath Singh
As competition between major global powers escalates, Singh pointed out that trade and technology are now often leveraged as instruments of strategic rivalry. He affirmed India’s view that reforming multilateral frameworks is essential to fostering dialogue and collaboration that can help avert conflicts. Singh also reiterated India’s dedication to strengthening its links with Central Asia, stressing that enhanced connectivity supports both economic exchange and deeper mutual confidence and strategic cooperation.
Concerning the SCO
In 2017, India was admitted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which was founded in 2001. China assumed the rotating presidency in 2025 after India did it in 2023. It is mostly unique in structure and wording compared to commonly published lines. Rajnath Singh