SCO Defence Minister’s Meet

India’s Defence Minister refused to sign the draft statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao.

• The refusal came after the draft omitted the reference to the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22), which killed 26 people, but mentioned the Jaffar Express hijacking in Balochistan by the Balochistan Liberation Army (March).

Issues Highlighted by India

• India’s Position on Terrorism: India criticized the lack of a common standard for dealing with terrorism and called out the double standards in the global fight against it.
  • The Defence Minister emphasized that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism, particularly when Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) are in the hands of non-state actors.
• Accusations Against Cross-Border Terrorism: India explicitly called for zero tolerance towards nations that use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists.
  • India urged the SCO to not hesitate in criticizing such states, stressing the importance of collective action against terrorism.
• Pahalgam Attack and India’s Response: India reaffirmed its right to self-defense and noted that Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, reflecting India’s zero tolerance for terrorism.
• Accountability for Terrorism: India called for a unified, unequivocal condemnation of terrorism from all SCO members, regardless of the motivation behind such acts.
  • It emphasized the need to hold terrorism perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors accountable and bring them to justice..
• Tackling Radicalisation: India acknowledged the role of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in countering radicalisation and terrorism.
  • India urged SCO members to take proactive measures to prevent radicalisation, especially among youth.
• Growing Non-Traditional Security Threats: India raised concerns about emerging non-traditional security threats, including the use of technology by terrorists, such as drones for cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs.
  • Other global challenges discussed included transnational terrorism, cyberattacks, and hybrid warfare that transcend national boundaries and demand a unified response.
• India’s Global Stance: Singh proposed reformed multilateralism to foster dialogue and cooperation among countries and to prevent conflict.
  • He underlined that globalisation is losing momentum, and multilateral systems are weakening, making it harder to address urgent global issues, such as pandemics, climate change, and food and water security.
  • India emphasized the need for international cooperation to effectively combat these complex challenges.
• Connectivity and Economic Growth: India reiterated its commitment to enhancing connectivity with Central Asia, which will not only boost trade but also strengthen mutual trust between nations, fostering regional stability and prosperity.
• Commitment to Afghanistan: India expressed its ongoing support for Afghanistan, continuing its capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people, contributing to regional stability and reinforcing India’s role in supporting peace and security in the region.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• Origin: The origins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) can be traced back to the “Shanghai Five” group formed in 1996, consisting of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
  • Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the newly independent states faced regional concerns regarding extremist religious groups and ethnic tensions.
  • To address these security concerns, the group was formed to foster cooperation on security and stability within the region.
• Establishment: The SCO was officially established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai as an international organization, with Uzbekistan joining as the sixth member.
• Full Members: India, Belarus, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Iran
  • Observer States: Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status.
• Significance: The SCO is one of the few international organizations focusing on security issues and primarily comprises Asian members.
  • It aims to tackle regional security challenges like terrorism, separatism, and extremism, focusing on economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and political dialogue among its members.

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