- India refused to sign the joint communique, citing exclusion of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, and Kashmir’s omission, while it included references to Balochistan—seen as pro‑Pakistan bias
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the statement was blocked by one country unwilling to include India’s terrorism concerns, making a consensus impossible
🎤 Strong Rhetoric with a Message
- Rajnath Singh denounced “countries using cross‑border terrorism as an instrument of policy,” declaring that “epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe” and calling out double standards
- He also emphasized the need for decisive action and accountability against terror sponsors, noting the structural shifts post-2020 border tensions
🤝 A Subtle Gesture Toward China
- Despite tensions, Singh met with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, urging a “permanent solution” for the LAC border standoff—a nod to renewed dialogue since the Galwan clashes
🧭 Why It Matters
- This marks the first senior Indian visit to China since the 2020 Ladakh standoff—an important diplomatic move with firm messaging 🛡️
The joint communiqué’s collapse highlights growing friction within SCO, where terrorism narratives remain contested—revealing splits between India and the China–Pakistan axis
🔍 Bottom Line
India used the SCO platform to reassert its stance on terrorism and border security, refusing to endorse a statement it viewed as unbalanced. At the same time, its meeting with China suggests a willingness to cautiously revive diplomatic ties—even while maintaining a strong stand.
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of the full text of Singh’s speech, a view on Pakistan’s response, or implications for SCO cohesion.