The refusal of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to sign the joint communique at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ conclave is a bold and much-needed assertion of India’s principled stance on terrorism. The omission of any reference to the Pahalgam terror attack – a brutal and religiously targeted assault claimed by a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy – reveals a dangerous pattern of selective condemnation within multilateral groupings, particularly when it comes to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Terrorism, by its very nature, is a global menace that recognises no borders, no boundaries, and no ideologies – except violence. Yet, India’s calls for a united front have been repeatedly diluted by China and Pakistan, who continue to shield terrorism under the pretext of strategic interests. China’s consistent use of its veto power in the United Nations to prevent the blacklisting of Pakistan-based terrorists and its silence on attacks like the one in Pahalgam reflect a troubling double standard. By turning a blind eye, China is not only undermining the credibility of forums like the SCO but also jeopardising regional stability.
The SCO, comprising countries that make up 30 percent of the global GDP and 40 percent of the world’s population, must rise above narrow national interests to uphold the principles enshrined in its own charter – sovereignty, mutual trust, and regional cooperation. If terrorism is allowed to be used as an instrument of state policy, as Pakistan does, the very essence of such international platforms is defeated. India has made its position unequivocally clear: there will be zero tolerance for terrorism. The swift response through Operation Sindoor and Singh’s categorical message in Qingdao underscores New Delhi’s resolve. Terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, must be condemned – not selectively, but universally. Anything less only emboldens the perpetrators and weakens the fight.
The international community, especially SCO member states, must introspect: are they willing to stand together against terror, or will they continue to indulge in double standards? Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism. India’s refusal to endorse a diluted document has only one message: the world must speak in one voice, and that voice must be loud, clear, and uncompromising against terrorism.
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