At the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Qingdao, China, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong and direct message against terrorism, particularly targeting Pakistan for sheltering terror groups. He warned that the “epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe” and emphasized that India would act against threats to national security. The statement marks one of India’s most assertive stances in a multilateral platform in recent years. Despite being part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, India refused to sign the joint statement proposed by China and Pakistan, citing a weak approach toward terrorism. The meeting also marks the first high-level India-China defence engagement since 2020 amid strained border relations. Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and security cooperation while advocating for accountability of state-sponsored terrorism. The visit carries strategic weight as it reflects India’s stance on terror-free diplomacy, regional strategic dialogue, and its refusal to dilute its security principles for consensus. The SCO meeting serves as a critical platform for defence ministers from China, Russia, India, and Central Asian nations to deliberate on security challenges in the Eurasian region.
