India Highlights Regional Security Challenges at SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting
During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, China, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a candid address emphasizing the pressing issues of peace, security, and a trust deficit plaguing the region. While notably refraining from naming Pakistan directly, Singh underscored India's concern over cross-border terrorism and called on SCO member states to adopt a consistent and principled stance against such acts.
A Clear Message Against Double Standards
Singh remarked, "Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists. There should be no place for such double standards. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations." This pointed rebuke is widely seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan, highlighting the persistent challenge India faces from terror groups operating across its borders.
Context: The Aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror Attack
The Defence Minister's remarks come in the wake of the devastating April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepali national and a local pony handler. The assault was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), recognized as a proxy group for the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Singh highlighted the brutal nature of the attack, stating: "Victims were shot at after they were profiled based on their religious identity." He further clarified that TRF operates as an extension of the UN-designated terrorist group LeT, affirming the threat posed by these networks in the region.
The Significance of the SCO Summit and India’s Strategic Outreach
The two-day meeting, held from June 25-26 under China's 2025 chairmanship, convened defence ministers and senior officials from ten SCO member nations, including India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and new member Belarus. The summit’s theme, “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move,” echoes the organisation’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
Singh reinforced India’s belief that progress requires collaborative efforts, emphasizing, "The biggest challenges in our region are related to peace, security and trust deficit. India believes that reformed multilateralism can help build cooperation to prevent conflict between countries by creating mechanisms for dialogue and collaboration. No country, however large and powerful, can manage alone."
Bilateral Discussions on Key Regional Security Issues
Besides his keynote address, the Defence Minister is set to engage in bilateral talks with his counterparts from China and Russia. The discussions aim to tackle critical matters such as border security, defence cooperation, and counter-terrorism strategies, underscoring India’s active role in fostering regional peace and stability.
