At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, India chose not to endorse a joint statement due to concerns over omissions related to terrorism and a significant attack in Kashmir, heightening tensions with Pakistan.
India Declines Joint Statement at SCO Summit Over Terrorism Concerns
India Declines Joint Statement at SCO Summit Over Terrorism Concerns
India's foreign ministry articulates dissatisfaction with joint statement exclusion of critical security issues at SCO summit.
In a significant diplomatic turn, India has declined to sign a joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in China. The decision stemmed from the Indian government's assertion that the statement failed to incorporate their significant concerns regarding terrorism. According to India's foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, the omission was "not acceptable to one particular country," hinting at the ongoing geopolitical tensions with neighboring Pakistan.
The specific trigger for India's refusal appears to be the exclusion of references to the deadly Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Indian government has publicly attributed the attack to a militant group based in Pakistan, which Pakistan has vehemently denied. The joint statement also referenced violent activities in Balochistan, a point of contention as Pakistan has accused India of supporting separatist movements in the region.
Rajnath Singh, India's Defence Minister who attended the SCO meeting, emphasized the need for accountability concerning cross-border terrorism without explicitly naming Pakistan. He asserted, "Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists," advocating for condemnation from the SCO regarding such practices and urging an end to "double standards."
The longstanding territorial dispute over Kashmir has historically fueled military conflicts between India and Pakistan, with both countries laying claim to the region. Following the Pahalgam attack, tensions escalated sharply, almost leading to war, resulting in a series of airstrikes by India targeting alleged terrorist camps—a claim Pakistan dismissed as unfounded. Hostilities only subsided after a ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States was announced in May.
This recent incident underscores the complexities within the SCO, an organization intended to counterbalance Western influence in the region, consisting of major players like China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations. India and Pakistan joined the bloc in 2017, yet their bilateral relations remain steeped in mistrust and conflict, manifesting clearly at international forums like the SCO.
The specific trigger for India's refusal appears to be the exclusion of references to the deadly Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Indian government has publicly attributed the attack to a militant group based in Pakistan, which Pakistan has vehemently denied. The joint statement also referenced violent activities in Balochistan, a point of contention as Pakistan has accused India of supporting separatist movements in the region.
Rajnath Singh, India's Defence Minister who attended the SCO meeting, emphasized the need for accountability concerning cross-border terrorism without explicitly naming Pakistan. He asserted, "Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists," advocating for condemnation from the SCO regarding such practices and urging an end to "double standards."
The longstanding territorial dispute over Kashmir has historically fueled military conflicts between India and Pakistan, with both countries laying claim to the region. Following the Pahalgam attack, tensions escalated sharply, almost leading to war, resulting in a series of airstrikes by India targeting alleged terrorist camps—a claim Pakistan dismissed as unfounded. Hostilities only subsided after a ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States was announced in May.
This recent incident underscores the complexities within the SCO, an organization intended to counterbalance Western influence in the region, consisting of major players like China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations. India and Pakistan joined the bloc in 2017, yet their bilateral relations remain steeped in mistrust and conflict, manifesting clearly at international forums like the SCO.
