India refuses to sign SCO Defense Ministers' Joint Statement after missing mention of April attack on tourists

https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/468623359017296874Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, Russian Defense Minister Belousov and Indian Defense Minister Singh at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Defense Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, China.

 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Defense Ministers' Meeting concluded in Qingdao on Thursday (26th), but India was dissatisfied with the joint statement because it did not mention the terrorist attack in which 26 Indian tourists were killed by gunmen in the Indian-controlled Kashmir region two months ago, and implied that the move was biased towards Pakistan, so it refused to sign.

On April 22 this year, a shooting occurred in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing 26 people and injuring dozens, most of whom were Indian tourists. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack and classified the incident as a terrorist attack. Pakistan denied the accusation.

The Associated Press, citing an unnamed source familiar with the matter, reported that Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh believed the joint statement aligned with "Pakistan's narrative" and downplayed India's stance on key issues such as terrorism and regional security. The statement made no mention of the April shooting in Kashmir but did address militant activity in Balochistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting the Balochistan freedom movement, a charge India denies.

Urge document to reflect concern for terrorism

At the meeting, Singh did not explicitly name Pakistan, but urged the SCO to criticize countries that "use cross-border terrorism as a policy tool and provide safe havens to terrorists." He said member states should unite to eliminate terrorism and ensure that those who facilitate such activities are held accountable.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday (26th) that India hopes to reflect its concern about terrorism in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's documents, but this is not acceptable to any country, so it was not adopted.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has 10 member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, along with India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus, which later joined. The meeting held in Qingdao was the largest ever attended by defense ministers from member states. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, who chaired the meeting, stated that at a time of turbulence and uncertainty in the international landscape, the SCO is particularly needed to serve as a stabilizing force, ensuring that member states promote steady and long-term defense and security cooperation.

Dong Jun also held sideline talks with defense ministers of various countries. Ming Pao reported that Singh told Dong Jun that India does not seek conflict or confrontation with China, and is willing to properly handle differences with China, enhance exchanges and mutual trust, and promote the continued positive development of bilateral relations