In a powerful display of India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ Summit in Qingdao, China refused to sign the joint declaration that ignored the Pahalgam terror attack and indirectly targeted India over Balochistan, Singh stood his ground, asserting India’s firm policy against terrorism. The move blocked the release of a unified SCO statement, exposing deep fault lines within the group on the issue of cross-border terror.
Rajnath Singh’s Blistering Speech at SCO: “No Double Standards on Terrorism”
Addressing the high-profile gathering of defense ministers from ten SCO nations, Rajnath Singh launched a sharp, veiled attack on Pakistan for sheltering and supporting terrorist activities. “Terrorism and peace cannot go together,” he declared, adding that those who nurture or justify terror will face consequences.
Singh highlighted how some countries were using terrorism as a cross-border policy tool, providing safe havens for extremist elements. He stressed the need for unified and decisive global action. “There should be no place for double standards. SCO must call out such nations,” he urged.
Making a pointed reference to the Pahalgam terror attack, Singh said the pattern of violence was consistent with previous Lashkar-e-Taiba operations in India. “This is not new for us. India has faced such assaults before, and the world cannot afford to look the other way any longer,” he said.
He also warned about the dangers of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of non-state actors. “Radicalism and extremism are threats to the entire region, and fighting these requires solidarity,” Singh stated.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Decisive Response
On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist strike in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 tourists and one local Kashmiri. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Despite international pressure, Pakistan, with Chinese backing, succeeded in removing TRF’s name from the UN Security Council statement condemning the attack. The move angered India and hardened its resolve.
India responded with precision under Operation Sindoor, a counter-strike that targeted and destroyed nine terrorist camps deep inside Pakistani territory. The operation reinforced India’s commitment to protecting its citizens and deterring cross-border terror.
As a part of its diplomatic outreach post-attack, India, through various platforms and official channels, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart, sought to highlight the growing threat of cross-border terrorism and urged for collective action.
China and Pakistan Attempt to Dilute Anti-Terror Stand
The refusal to sign the joint SCO document was rooted in India’s objection to how the draft deliberately avoided any mention of the Pahalgam attack. China, which chaired the summit, along with Pakistan, made strategic efforts to shift focus away from terrorism and divert the SCO’s attention towards geopolitical narratives favouring their own interests.
Sources revealed that Defense Minister Singh did not exchange any pleasantries with Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif during the summit. The tension in the room was palpable, especially after Operation Sindoor and India’s growing global support.
The summit marked the first direct encounter between Indian and Pakistani defense leaders after the Pahalgam massacre. Yet, Singh’s silence toward his Pakistani counterpart spoke volumes, further underlining the widening rift between New Delhi and Islamabad.
India’s Assertive Global Posture and Growing Influence
India’s firm stand at the SCO summit is in line with its larger global outreach strategy. Operation Sindoor, coupled with diplomatic missions across strategic nations, signals a shift in India’s approach to foreign policy and security.
NSA Ajit Doval’s dialogue with the Chinese leadership on the sidelines of recent diplomatic engagements also focused on regional stability and cross-border terrorism. Doval reiterated that terrorism was a red line for India and it expected its neighbours to act responsibly.
New Delhi’s message is clear: any nation that attempts to dilute the global narrative on terrorism will be firmly opposed.
India Draws a Red Line at SCO
India’s refusal to sign the SCO joint statement is not just a diplomatic snub it’s a clear message to the international community. As Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored, terrorism cannot be tolerated or whitewashed under the guise of geopolitics.
India will continue to raise its voice and take action against threats to its sovereignty and safety. Through both military might and diplomatic channels, New Delhi is proving it won’t bend when it comes to the fight against terror. The SCO summit has, in effect, drawn clear lines between nations willing to stand united against terrorism and those choosing duplicity.
As Singh declared in Qingdao, “India has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. The world must join us in walking that path.”
