During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Qingdao, India firmly opposed a joint statement on terrorism proposed by Pakistan and backed by China. The proposal attempted to introduce unrelated issues and diminish the focus on cross-border terrorism, which India found unacceptable. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of maintaining a consistent approach to combating terrorism, emphasizing that there should be no double standards. He stressed the necessity of holding those responsible for terrorist activities accountable, underscoring India’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. This stance reflects India’s broader strategy of advocating for international cooperation in addressing terrorism while ensuring that political motives do not overshadow the primary objective of global security. The disagreement at the SCO summit underscores ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding issues of cross-border terrorism. India’s refusal to endorse the statement signals its determination to maintain a firm position against any attempts to dilute the international community’s focus on terrorism. The incident also highlights the complex dynamics within the SCO, where member countries often have divergent views on security issues. As the region continues to grapple with security challenges, India’s stance at the summit reinforces its role as a key player in shaping regional security policies and advocating for a unified approach to counter-terrorism efforts.