India’s Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, reportedly refused to sign the joint declaration at the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in China. According to Indian media, Singh’s refusal stems from the declaration’s failure to mention the Pahalgam incident and its inclusion of a condemnation of terrorism in Balochistan, which spells a pro-Pakistani stance.

Indian media outlets highlighted that Rajnath Singh’s primary objection was the omission of the Pahalgam incident from the SCO declaration. This event, a recent militant attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, has been a significant point of contention for India in international forums.

In contrast, the SCO declaration reportedly includes a condemnation of terrorism in Balochistan, a province of Pakistan. Indian media sources allege that this particular reference acknowledges Pakistan’s stance on the issue.

This inclusion, alongside the exclusion of the Pahalgam incident, appears to be the primary cause of India’s disagreement, leading to its defense minister’s refusal to endorse the joint statement.