While refusing to sign the SCO document, Rajnath Singh made a strong public statement reiterating India’s position:

“Terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, must be condemned. There can be no justification for terrorism. Nations must rise above politics to combat this menace together.”

He emphasized that India would continue to work with countries that take terrorism seriously, but would not compromise its national security interests for the sake of artificial unity.

 A Quick Primer: What is SCO?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a multilateral alliance that includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It was created in 2001 to promote regional cooperation on security, economic, and political issues.

While it began as a security-oriented platform, over time, it has been marred by internal divisions, especially due to India-Pakistan-China dynamics.

India joined the SCO in 2017 alongside Pakistan, and has often found itself at odds with the China-Pakistan bloc over terrorism and sovereignty issues.

 Reactions from Around the Globe

 Indian Media:

Indian news outlets hailed Rajnath Singh’s move as a diplomatic masterstroke, portraying him as a leader who stood up to bullies and defended India’s national interest.

 Chinese Media:

State-sponsored Chinese media made no mention of the disagreement, a typical strategy to avoid showcasing disunity in state-controlled narratives.

 Russia’s Position:

Russia remained neutral, choosing not to take sides. While Russia has strong defence ties with India, it also maintains a strategic partnership with China.

 Global Diplomats:

Western diplomats observed the development with interest, calling India’s decision a sign of growing strategic autonomy and maturity in handling complex regional politics.

 Why This Matters for India

This isn’t just about one meeting or one document. This is about:

• India asserting itself as a global power that doesn’t shy away from hard choices.
• Setting diplomatic red lines in multilateral forums.
• Sending a message that India will not be part of platforms that shield or ignore terrorism.

 Conclusion: A Bold Move That Redefines Diplomacy

By refusing to sign the SCO document, Rajnath Singh didn’t just walk out — he stood tall. This is a turning point in India’s diplomatic journey, especially in the way it engages with China-dominated multilateral organizations.

With terrorism being a core pain point for Indian civilians, soldiers, and policymakers, Rajnath Singh’s message was loud and clear — “India First. Security First.”

As SCO enters turbulent waters, India’s refusal to compromise may just redefine how such platforms function in the future.