Breaking: At SCO Meet in China, Rajnath Singh Slams Pakistan on Terrorism, Refuses to Sign Joint Statement

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in China, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took a bold diplomatic stand against Pakistan and cross-border terrorism. Singh clearly refused to sign the SCO’s proposed joint statement, citing the absence of any reference to terrorism and cross-border threats—an issue central to India’s concerns. Singh emphasized that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups. In a direct message aimed at Pakistan, he stated that those who sponsor and harbor terrorism for narrow self-interests must face consequences. Singh also urged the international community not to entertain double standards when it comes to terror. India’s “zero tolerance” policy on terrorism was reiterated, along with its sovereign right to defend itself. Singh also made it clear that dialogue and terrorism cannot go hand in hand—a firm rejection of any engagement with Pakistan under current conditions. India's refusal to sign the SCO joint statement—reportedly due to China and Pakistan opposing the inclusion of "cross-border terrorism"—sends a strong message. It underlines India’s unwavering stance on terrorism, even at major international platforms.