Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong message at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, China, on Thursday, condemning the use of cross-border terrorism and indirectly criticizing Pakistan in light of the April Pahalgam terror attack. Singh asserted that some nations use cross-border terrorism as a tool of policy and provide refuge to terrorists, emphasizing that such double standards should not be tolerated. He called on the SCO to condemn these nations without hesitation.

Addressing the Pahalgam attack and India's response, including Operation Sindoor launched in May, Singh stated, "The pattern of the Pahalgam attack mirrors previous terror strikes by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in India. India exercised its right to defend against terrorism by launching Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, which successfully dismantled cross-border terrorist infrastructure."Singh underscored that terrorism, regardless of its motivation or perpetrator, is criminal and unjustifiable. He urged SCO members to unequivocally denounce such acts and stressed the need for accountability in bringing those responsible for terrorism to justice.

Highlighting broader regional security concerns, Singh noted that peace, security, and trust-deficit issues are rooted in increasing radicalization, extremism, and terrorism. He stated, "Peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism and the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the hands of non-state actors and terrorist groups. Dealing with these challenges requires decisive action, and we must unite in our fight against these threats for the safety and security of all."

Expressing gratitude for the welcome extended to him at the SCO, Singh remarked on the ongoing global transformation. He pointed out the slowing momentum of globalization and the weakening of multilateral systems, which have made addressing urgent challenges such as maintaining peace and rebuilding economies post-pandemic more difficult.

Singh arrived in Qingdao on Thursday and was received by Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun. Prior to the official discussions, Singh participated in a group photograph with his SCO counterparts, including Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

The two-day SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting, which took place from June 25 to 26, provided a platform for regional defense leaders to discuss shared security threats, counter-terrorism measures, and military cooperation. Established in 2001, the SCO aims to foster mutual trust, political dialogue, and security cooperation among its member states, while also promoting economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties to ensure regional stability and peace.

India became a full member of the SCO in 2017 and has since played an active role in its multilateral engagements. In 2023, India held the rotating chairmanship of the organization. The SCO currently consists of ten member countries: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. The organization adheres to principles such as respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and equality among states. China is leading the SCO in 2025 under the theme, "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move."