During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in China, the joint declaration stated that India is indirectly contributing to unrest in Balochistan. This unexpected development led to Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh refusing to sign the document, marking a notable diplomatic challenge for India on the international stage.
Adding to the strain, the declaration made no mention of the recent Pahalgam incident, a topic of concern for the Indian delegation.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) recently issued a strong statement condemning Israeli airstrikes that targeted multiple sites inside Iran on June 13. The statement, endorsed by most member states, expressed solidarity with Iran and rejected any unlawful actions against fellow members while emphasizing adherence to the UN Charter.
However, India chose to take an independent approach and opted not to align with this collective stance. Despite acknowledging the growing tensions in the Middle East, India refrained from endorsing the joint statement due to its strategic relationship with Israel.
The SCO is a regional alliance consisting of 10 nations, including Russia, Pakistan, and India. While the grouping’s unified stance reflects solidarity among its members, India’s decision not to support the statement underscores its nuanced approach to complex geopolitical realities.
