India took a strong diplomatic stance at the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint communiqué on Thursday, June 26, 2025. According to official sources, the decision was made because the statement failed to adequately reflect India’s firm position on terrorism and regional security, issues the country considers non-negotiable.

Rajnath Singh is said to have pushed for stronger, unambiguous language in the document - particularly regarding cross-border terrorism and Pakistan-based threats. However, attempts to include such language reportedly met resistance from other member states, leading India to opt out of endorsement altogether.

This move signals India's growing assertiveness within the SCO bloc, especially when national security interests are perceived to be compromised. Singh, however, did participate in the rest of the summit, reiterating India’s commitment to peace, sovereignty, and counter-terror cooperation - on its own terms.

The refusal to sign the joint statement sends a clear message: India won’t compromise on terrorism - even on multilateral platforms.