1. Free Current Affairs Total (CAT) Monthly Magazine

2. Register for Upcoming Batch on 27-06-2025 Last 3 Seats

7900-44-7900

ensureias@gmail.com

India Walks Out on SCO Statement

India Walks Out on SCO Statement

27-06-2025

Why in the news?

  1. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held a meeting of Defence Ministers in China.
  2. The meeting was expected to conclude with a joint statement reflecting common positions on regional and international security issues.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

  1. It is an intergovernmental political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001.
  2. Founding Members: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
  3. Other members: India, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Belarus.
  4. The first summit was held in Shanghai, China, in 2001.
  5. Observers: Afghanistan and Mongolia
  6. Dialogue Partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Egypt, Nepal, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
  7. Main Objectives:
  1. Strengthen relations among member states.
  2. Promote cooperation in political affairs, economics, and trade, scientific-technical, cultural, and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection.
  3. Safeguard regional peace, security, and stability.
  4. Create a democratic, equitable international political and economic order.

What are the Key Highlights?

  1. India’s Position and Refusal
    1. India’s Objection to the Joint Statement
      • i. India, represented by the defence minister, refused to sign the final joint statement.
      • ii. The primary reason was the exclusion of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack from the document.
    2. Concerns over Focus Shift
      • i. The document reportedly included references to militant activities in Balochistan (Pakistan).
      • ii. India viewed this as an attempt by Pakistan and China to divert focus from broader terrorism issues, especially cross-border terrorism impacting India.
  2. The April 22 Pahalgam Attack
    1. Significance of the Incident
      • i. The Pahalgam terror attack is a key recent event where five armed militants stormed the tourist area, using AK-47s and M4 Rifles.
      • ii. They segregated the victims by religion, asking for the Islamic declaration of faith (kalima), then opened fire.
      • iii. India considers such attacks to be critical in any discussion on regional security.
    2. India’s Demand
      • i. India wanted the joint statement to reflect strong language on terrorism, specifically referencing the Pahalgam incident as an example of cross-border terrorism.
  3. Disagreement Stops Joint Statement
    1. Lack of Consensus
      1. As per Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, the SCO countries failed to reach consensus.
      2. One country (implied to be Pakistan) reportedly objected to India’s proposed inclusions.
    2. No Final Document Adopted
      1. Due to the lack of agreement, no joint statement was finalized or adopted at the meeting.

Challenges and Way Forward:

Challenges

Way Forward

1. Lack of consensus within SCO on defining terrorism

Push for a clear, unified definition of terrorism across SCO forums.

2. Pakistan and China blocking references to India-specific terror attacks

Engage in stronger bilateral diplomacy and leverage support from neutral SCO members.

3. Diverging priorities among member states

Promote shared regional security interests like border control, intelligence sharing, etc.

4. Risk of India being isolated in SCO

Build alliances with countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to balance the dynamics.

5. Undermining of India’s counter-terrorism concerns

Raise the issue at global platforms like the UN, G20, and Quad to keep pressure on Pakistan.

6. Credibility of multilateral forums at stake

Advocate for reforms in regional bodies to ensure all voices are respected equally.

Conclusion

  1. India’s refusal to sign the SCO statement is a clear diplomatic signal prioritizing its national security interests.
  2. It underscores India’s determination to prevent international forums from being used to sideline or whitewash terrorism-related concerns.
  3. The incident may contribute to further polarization within the SCO, especially regarding issues of terrorism and territorial integrity.

Ensure IAS Mains Question

India’s refusal to sign the SCO joint statement over the exclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack reflects its uncompromising stance on terrorism. In the context of regional diplomacy, critically examine the challenges faced by India in multilateral forums while upholding its national security interests. Suggest measures to strengthen India’s position. (250 words)

 

Ensure IAS Prelims Question

Q. With reference to India’s position at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in 2025, consider the following statements:

  1. India refused to sign the joint statement because it excluded reference to the Pahalgam terror attack.
  2. The joint statement included references to militant activities in Balochistan.
  3. The SCO is a military alliance under the United Nations Security Council.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1 and 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

Explanation

  • Statement 1 is correct – India refused to sign the SCO joint statement as it excluded the Pahalgam attack.
  • Statement 2 is correct – The statement mentioned militant activity in Balochistan, which India viewed as an attempt to deflect attention.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect – The SCO is not a military alliance and has no direct link to the UN
  • Security Council.

 

India Walks Out on SCO Statement

CBSE Allows Flexibility in Mother Tongue Policy

Role of MSME Sector