Rajnath Singh refuses to sign SCO statement as cross-border terrorism concerns remain unaddressed

As per reports, the defence minister refused to dot India's name on the document due to its failure to address India's concern regarding cross-border terrorism.

At the SCO Summit, India raised its concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, citing the Pahalgam attack and conflict with Pakistan.

However, as per PTI, Rajnath Singh refused to endorse the joint statement as it not did explicitly address India's concerns. 

Citing sources close to the matter, sources reported that India's refusal comes due to no clear-cut approach to combat terrorism, including cross-border terror attacks.

With Singh's refusal, the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting concluded with no joint statement from the participants. The meeting was held from June 25 to 26 in Qingdao, China. 

Defence leaders from member states such as India, China, Russia, and other Central Asian nations came together to discuss issues related to regional and international peace and security.

Speaking at the defence leaders meeting, Rajnath Singh called on SCO members to work together to reduce the risk of terrorism in the region.

Citing the Pahalgam attack, Singh highlighted India's concern and Pakistan's backing for Lashkar-e-Taiba and its off shoot - The Resistance Front - which is said to have been behind the April terror attack.

A total of 26 people were killed in the Pahalgam attack on April 22. In response to the attack, India launched a military strike under 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terror camps and bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. 

Operation Sindoor triggered a larger conflict between India and Pakistan, resulting in a four day stand-off between both nations.