Why is India Seeking SCO's Condemnation on the Pahalgam Attack?
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Synopsis
In a recent move, India has urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the tragic killings of 26 tourists. As the summit approaches, the dynamics between India and Pakistan are intensifying, with both countries pushing for their narratives to be included in official statements. Discover the implications of these discussions.
Key Takeaways
- India seeks SCO's condemnation of the Pahalgam attack.
- Pakistan demands mention of Jaffar Express hijacking in the summit documents.
- Discussions are ongoing regarding the inclusion of these references.
- RATS aims to combat terrorism among member states.
- India's engagement with the SCO reflects its commitment to addressing security concerns.
New Delhi, June 18 (NationPress) India has requested a reference to the Pahalgam terror attack in one of the documents that will be presented during the forthcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which will be chaired by China, as reported by various media outlets.
In response, Pakistan has also advocated for the inclusion of the hijacking incident of the Jaffar Express and a recent bus attack perpetrated by Baloch rebels in the same document.
Reports indicate that India has pressed for the official outcome statement of the upcoming SCO summit to contain a condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists lost their lives at the hands of heavily armed terrorists affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba's offshoot, The Resistance Front.
Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that serious discussions are ongoing to incorporate India's proposal to mention the terror attack in the document, as any omission might jeopardize the integrity of the SCO proceedings, according to media reports.
Established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, the SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization.
The member states of the SCO comprise India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus.
This multilateral forum includes a permanent body known as the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, aimed at fostering cooperation among member states against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Reports suggest that since RATS addresses terror-related issues, India's plea to include a condemnation of the April 22 attack is entirely justified.
Later this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to travel to China for the SCO Defence Minister meeting, followed by the SCO National Security Advisers' (NSA) meeting.
Earlier on Saturday, India opted out of the joint SCO statement concerning the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India did not engage in discussions regarding the statement.
As per the MEA, India's overall stance on the issue was communicated to the SCO members.
"The SCO has released a statement regarding recent developments between Israel and Iran. India's position on this matter was articulated by us on June 13, 2025, and remains unchanged. We advocate for the use of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve de-escalation, and it is crucial for the international community to endeavor in that direction," stated the MEA.
"The External Affairs Minister also discussed this issue with his Iranian counterpart yesterday, expressing the international community's deep concern over recent events. He urged the avoidance of any escalatory measures and a prompt return to diplomatic efforts," the statement continued.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that India's request for a condemnation of the Pahalgam attack reflects its commitment to addressing terrorism. The SCO serves as a platform for member states to confront such challenges collectively. Balancing national security with diplomatic relations will be crucial as discussions unfold. The need for a unified front against terrorism cannot be overstated, and India's stance reinforces its position in the global arena.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Pahalgam terror attack?
The Pahalgam terror attack involved heavily armed terrorists from a Pakistan-based group, resulting in the tragic deaths of 26 tourists.
What is the significance of the SCO summit?
The SCO summit serves as a pivotal platform for member nations to discuss and address security issues, including terrorism, regional stability, and cooperation.
Why is India seeking a condemnation from the SCO?
India aims to ensure that the SCO formally acknowledges the Pahalgam attack to underscore the seriousness of terrorism and the need for collective action against it.
What has Pakistan proposed in response?
Pakistan has pushed for the inclusion of incidents related to the Jaffar Express hijacking and recent Baloch rebel attacks in the same SCO document.
What are the implications of India's stance?
India's firm position could strengthen its diplomatic leverage within the SCO, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism in the region.
