India refuses to sign SCO statement, says it favors Pakistan

NEW DELHI, JUNE 26 — China's efforts to boost its influence in the region took a hit on Thursday when India refused to sign a joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting. India objected because the statement didn’t mention a recent terror attack that killed Indian tourists — an omission they felt favored Pakistan.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the statement weakened India’s stance on key issues like terrorism and regional security. A source familiar with the matter said the statement reflected Pakistan’s version of events — highlighting militant activity in Balochistan but ignoring the April 22 attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly Hindu pilgrims, were killed. India holds Pakistan responsible for the attack, but Pakistan denies any involvement.

Singh reportedly said the joint statement “supported Pakistan’s narrative.” Pakistan has long accused India of backing the Baloch separatist movement — something India denies.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India wanted the SCO document to include stronger language on terrorism. However, one country — widely understood to be Pakistan — didn’t agree, so no joint statement was finalized.

The SCO, which includes countries like China, Russia, India, and several Central Asian nations, was created by China and Russia to reduce U.S. influence in the region. With Russia tied up in the Ukraine war, China has taken a more active role in leading the group. The recent meeting was held in Qingdao, a city in eastern China.

In a separate statement, Singh didn’t name Pakistan directly but urged SCO members to condemn countries that support terrorism across borders and protect terrorists. He said peace and progress are not possible when terrorism and weapons of mass destruction are in the hands of extremist groups, calling for stronger global action against such threats.

The April attack raised tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, leading to days of military exchanges before a U.S.-mediated ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with officials from Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. He also criticized what he called growing unilateralism and bullying by powerful countries — seen as a veiled reference to the U.S. and its allies.

India and China continue to have unresolved border issues, and China remains a strong supporter of Pakistan.

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