External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has clarified India’s decision not to sign the joint statement at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in China. The decision, supported by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was rooted in a fundamental disagreement over the inclusion of terrorism references in the document. Jaishankar highlighted that the SCO’s core mission is to address and combat terrorism, a goal that was undermined when one member nation opposed any mention of terrorism in the final outcome document. This opposition led India to abstain from endorsing the statement, as it did not align with India’s strategic priorities and commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.

The SCO, a significant regional organization comprising major global players, aims to foster security and economic cooperation among its members. India’s participation is crucial given its geopolitical interests and security concerns in the region. By not signing the joint statement, India has sent a clear message about its unwavering stance on terrorism and its unwillingness to compromise on issues that threaten regional stability and security. This move underscores India’s diplomatic strategy of prioritizing national security interests while engaging in multilateral forums.

The decision also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics within the SCO, where differing national interests can sometimes hinder consensus on critical issues. India’s position highlights the challenges of achieving unified action against terrorism within diverse international coalitions. As global threats evolve, India’s approach at the SCO meeting serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international diplomacy and the importance of maintaining principled stances on global security issues.