India refuses to sign SCO document for downplaying terror stand, Pak-China snub Pahalgam
PTC News Desk: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at SCO meet in China refused to sign the document which apparently downplayed India's stance on terrorism and Pahalgam attack. Due to divergence on the issue of terrorism, the SCO decided not to issue a joint statement.
According to the sources, China is currently hosting the SCO summit during which Pakistan attempted to divert the attention from terrorism while also skipping any mention of the deadly Pahalgam attack which claimed 26 innocent lives. However the document did mention Balochistan which was an indirect dig at India accusing it of creating unrest in the Pakistan province.
#WATCH | Qingdao, China | At the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "It is my pleasure to be here in Qingdao to participate in the SCO Defence Ministers meeting. I would like to thank our hosts for their warm hospitality. I would also like to… pic.twitter.com/c9SyHOaZDp — ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2025
In his address at the SCO summit, Singh launched an all-out attack on Pakistan without naming it, saying some countries were using cross-border terrorism as an "instrument of policy" to provide shelter to terrorists.
"There should be no place for such double standards. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations," the Defence Minister said in a strong statement.
Building on this firm stance, Singh emphasised the growing need to address the roots of extremism, especially among the youth. Highlighting the importance of countering radicalisation, Singh said, "We should also take proactive steps to prevent the spread of radicalization among our youth.
The RATS mechanism of SCO has played a significant role in this regard. The joint statement of the Council of SCO Heads of State on 'Countering Radicalization leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism' issued during India's Chairmanship symbolises our shared commitment."
Reiterating India's position, Singh added, "India's zero tolerance for terrorism is manifest today through its actions. This includes our right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We have shown that epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe and we will not hesitate to target them."
- PTC NEWS
