SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting

India has refused to sign a joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao, China, in June 2025.

• This decision stemmed from India’s dissatisfaction with the language of the joint document, specifically the absence of any mention of cross-border terrorist activities.

• It’s understood that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s refusal to endorse the document led to the conclave concluding without a joint communique.

• As per the SCO Charter, the grouping makes decisions by agreement without a vote, meaning they are considered adopted only if no member state raises objections.

About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• Establishment: The SCO is an intergovernmental body established in 2001.
• India’s Membership: India became a full member in 2017.
• Current Members: The SCO currently comprises Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Belarus, and India.
• 2025 Chairmanship: China holds the Chair of the SCO for 2025, operating under the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.”