India Blocks SCO Statement Over Pahalgam Attack

India refused to sign the joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, objecting to Pakistan and China’s exclusion of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 Indian tourists, while referencing issues in Balochistan and the Jaffar Express hijacking. The lack of consensus meant the statement could not be adopted, with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh demanding accountability for all terrorism, including cross-border acts. Pakistan, backed by China, advocated for including Balochistan and Jaffar Express events but rejected mention of Pahalgam, leading to a stalemate. Indian officials criticized the draft for double standards and aligning with Pakistan's narrative, while reiterating India's stance against terrorism. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed India’s position increased its international isolation and accused India of promoting terrorism, allegations denied by New Delhi. The incident underscores persistent India-Pakistan tensions and the difficulty of achieving consensus in multilateral forums such as the SCO and OIC.