Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas
From June 25 to 27, 2025, the 22nd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers was held in Qingdao, China. This gathering of leaders from the SCO’s 10 member countries—Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—was meant to foster cooperation. However, India’s refusal to sign the joint declaration highlighted its unwavering stance on terrorism, sending a clear message: ignoring India’s perspective on global platforms could have serious consequences.
India’s growing influence on the world stage is undeniable. From Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic journey to the International Space Station in 1984 to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s achievement on June 26, 2025, India has consistently proven its mettle. Yet, some countries seem to overlook India’s ideology and priorities, particularly when it comes to combating terrorism. This was evident at the SCO meeting, where India’s concerns were sidelined, leading to a diplomatic standoff.
India’s Veto Power Halts SCO Joint Declaration
At the SCO meeting, India took a bold step by refusing to endorse the joint declaration. The reason? The declaration mentioned unrest in Pakistan’s Balochistan as a terrorist issue but failed to acknowledge the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. This omission, despite India’s explicit request to include it, prompted India’s Defence Minister to reject the declaration and skip the joint press conference. As a result, the SCO could not issue a unified statement, underscoring India’s influence and resolve.
India’s stance was not just about the wording of a document. It was a firm rejection of double standards on terrorism. The Defence Minister made it clear that India would not tolerate selective condemnation of terrorist acts. By standing its ground, India sent a powerful message to the SCO and the world: its voice must be heard, especially on issues as critical as terrorism.
A Strong Warning Against Cross-Border Terrorism
During the meeting, India’s Defence Minister addressed the issue of cross-border terrorism head-on. Without directly naming Pakistan, he referenced Operation Sindoor, a recent Indian operation targeting terrorist hideouts. He warned that India would continue to take decisive action against those responsible for shedding innocent blood. Citing the Pahalgam attack, where 26 people, including a Nepali citizen, were killed after being targeted for their religious identity, he emphasized that such acts could not be ignored.
The minister also called out the Resistance Front, a proxy group linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist organization listed by the United Nations. He urged the SCO to take a united stand against countries that use terrorism as a state policy or provide safe havens to terrorists. His message was clear: peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism, and all nations must work together to combat it.
A Call for Global Unity: Sarvejan Sukhino Bhavantu
Drawing on the ancient Indian principle of *Sarvejan Sukhino Bhavantu*—meaning “may all be happy”—the Defence Minister stressed the need for collective action. He argued that no country, no matter how powerful, can tackle terrorism alone. Radicalism and terrorism, he said, are the root causes of instability in the region, and double standards only worsen the problem. The minister called on the SCO to criticize nations that sponsor terrorism without hesitation, a pointed remark aimed at certain members’ reluctance to address Pakistan’s role.
India also highlighted the evolving nature of terrorist threats, including the use of drones to smuggle weapons and drugs across borders. The minister emphasized the need to counter such technologies and prevent the spread of radicalism among youth. He praised the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) for its efforts and noted India’s leadership in drafting the SCO’s joint statement on countering radicalism during its chairmanship. This, he said, reflects India’s commitment to a shared fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
India’s Broader Diplomatic Strategy
India’s actions at the SCO meeting align with its long-standing foreign policy, which prioritizes national interest while advocating for global peace. Whether it’s refusing to bow to international pressure or taking a firm stand against terrorism, India has consistently shown that it will not compromise on its principles. This was also evident at another recent international forum—the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. There, a joint statement supported Pakistan’s position on issues like the Indus Water Treaty and India’s Kashmir policy, while ignoring India’s concerns. Such biased diplomacy, often led by Pakistan and supported by its allies, risks alienating India and undermining global unity.
India’s refusal to sign the SCO declaration was not just a reaction to one document. It was a broader statement against the “jugalbandi”—or coordinated efforts—of certain countries to sideline India’s perspective. By taking this stand, India made it clear that it will not tolerate selective narratives that ignore its security concerns.
The Cost of Ignoring India
Some countries may view India’s growing stature with envy or unease, but underestimating its resolve could prove costly. India’s veto power at the SCO meeting disrupted the joint declaration, showing that its approval is essential for consensus. This incident serves as a reminder that India’s ideology—rooted in peace, prosperity, and zero tolerance for terrorism—cannot be ignored on global platforms.
As India continues to rise as a global power, its voice will only grow louder. The international community must recognize that combating terrorism requires unity, not selective alliances. India’s call for *Sarvejan Sukhino Bhavantu* is not just a philosophical ideal but a practical necessity. For peace and prosperity to prevail, nations must set aside differences and work together to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.
The 22nd SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao was a turning point for India’s global diplomacy. By refusing to sign a joint declaration that ignored its concerns, India asserted its influence and commitment to fighting terrorism. The Defence Minister’s powerful words and India’s firm actions underscored a simple truth: ignoring India’s ideology is a mistake. To achieve a peaceful and prosperous world, as encapsulated in *Sarvejan Sukhino Bhavantu*, the international community must listen to India’s voice and unite against terrorism. Only through collective effort can we build a safer, more harmonious future.
(Note:Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani from Gondia, Maharashtra, is a tax expert, advocate, and chartered accountant (ATC). A prolific columnist, international writer, thinker, and poet with a Sangeet Madhyama qualification, he writes on national and global issues, blending legal expertise with social commentary. Contact: 9359653465.)
