The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defense ministers' meeting concluded in Qingdao on Thursday (26th), but India refused to sign the joint statement because it was dissatisfied that the statement did not mention the terrorist attack two months ago in Indian-controlled Kashmir, in which 26 Indian tourists were killed by gunmen, and implied that the statement favored Pakistan.
On April 22 this year, a shooting occurred in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in 26 deaths and dozens of injuries, most of whom were Indian tourists. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack and classified the incident as a terrorist attack, which Pakistan denied.
The Associated Press, citing an unnamed source, reported that Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh believed the joint statement aligned with "Pakistan's narrative," downplaying India's stance on key issues such as terrorism and regional security. The statement made no mention of the April shootings in Kashmir but did mention armed activity in Balochistan; Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting the Balochistan Freedom Movement, a claim India denies.
The document should reflect concerns about 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 shelter for terrorists." He said member states should unite to eliminate terrorism and ensure accountability for those who assist such activities.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday (26th) that India wanted to reflect its concerns about terrorism in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation documents, but this was not acceptable to any one country and was therefore not adopted.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has 10 member states, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and later entrants India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. This meeting in Qingdao saw the largest number of defense ministers from member states participating. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, who chaired the meeting, stated that amidst a turbulent international situation, the SCO's role as a "stabilizing anchor" is particularly crucial, and that member states should work together to ensure the steady and long-term progress of defense and security cooperation.
Dong Jun also held sideline talks with defense ministers from various countries. According to Ming Pao, 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.
