Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh at Qingdao, China. Photo Credit: X
In a hard-hitting address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao, China, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a stern message aimed directly at Pakistan. Speaking in the presence of his Pakistani counterpart, Khwaja Asif, Singh declared there should be “no place for double standards” when it comes to dealing with terrorism, setting a serious tone for the summit and reinforcing India’s unwavering stance on cross-border terror.
Rajnath Singh Calls Out State-Sponsored Terrorism
Rajnath Singh stated unequivocally that peace and development are impossible in the shadow of terrorism. Without naming Pakistan directly, he referred to countries that use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy. He said, “Some countries provide shelter to terrorists and use terrorism as a tool of diplomacy. The world must come together and say there is no place for double standards on this issue.”
He also referenced the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians earlier this year, labelling it as a “heinous act” that deserves international condemnation. Singh stressed that terrorism in any form—religious, ethnic, or ideological—must be unequivocally rejected.
India Refuses to Endorse SCO Joint Statement
In a bold move, India refused to sign the joint communiqué issued at the end of the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting. The official reason was that the final document failed to include strong enough language on terrorism, particularly any reference to the Pahalgam attack. India’s refusal was a clear diplomatic message to SCO members—particularly China and Pakistan—that it would not support watered-down narratives that ignore the realities of terror funding and safe havens.
This is not the first time India has taken such a position. It aligns with its larger foreign policy objective of demanding accountability from global and regional players who continue to allow extremism to fester for political gains.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Deterrent
Rajnath Singh also invoked Operation Sindoor, a targeted military action carried out by Indian forces on May 7 to dismantle terror launchpads along the Line of Control. He described it as a “measured yet firm response” to repeated provocations. According to Singh, the operation showcased India’s right to self-defence and served as a reminder that the epicentres of terrorism will not remain safe if provocations continue.
His message was clear: India will not hesitate to act decisively when its sovereignty or civilians are under threat.
A Delicate Diplomatic Balancing Act
Singh’s participation in the SCO summit was also notable because it marked the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to China since the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff. On the sidelines, Singh met with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun and other regional leaders. While the discussions focused on cooperation, Singh reiterated that true multilateralism must be grounded in mutual respect, accountability, and clarity on terror-related issues.
Khwaja Asif Watches as India Takes the Moral High Ground
What added intensity to Singh’s address was that it unfolded with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif sitting just metres away. Asif, who has previously defended Pakistan’s foreign policy on global platforms, was forced to listen as Singh lambasted state-sponsored terror. The optics were unmissable—India taking the moral high ground in full view of its adversary.
Observers noted that Singh’s message wasn’t just meant for Pakistan but was equally directed at the SCO as an institution. India, through Singh’s words, demanded that the SCO must not become a silent spectator to regional instability driven by terrorism.
The Road Ahead for India in SCO
India’s refusal to sign the SCO joint declaration and Singh’s explicit mention of “no place for double standards” signal a new assertiveness in India’s regional strategy. With upcoming meetings in other multilateral platforms like BRICS and the United Nations, India is expected to continue pushing for reforms in global anti-terror frameworks, accountability for terror financing, and stricter action against groups that masquerade as charities or political movements.
India is also expected to advocate for an enhanced role of SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), making counter-terrorism not just a talking point but a mandatory pillar of cooperation.
For more top news click here
Follow us for latest updates:
