What's happened
India's recent refusal to endorse a joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) highlights its diplomatic challenges amid rising tensions with Pakistan. The decision follows a deadly attack in Kashmir, raising questions about India's influence in multilateral platforms like the SCO and Quad, particularly regarding terrorism concerns.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Diplomatic Isolation: India's refusal to endorse the SCO declaration underscores its growing isolation in multilateral forums, particularly regarding its stance on terrorism. Analysts suggest that the 'Sino-Pakistan axis' is influencing regional dynamics, limiting India's ability to garner support.
- Global South Dynamics: The SCO and similar platforms are increasingly seen as arenas for China to assert its leadership among developing nations. India's aspirations to lead the Global South are complicated by its contentious relationship with Pakistan and its inability to secure consensus on critical issues like terrorism.
- Evidence and Credibility: Experts argue that India's lack of concrete evidence linking Pakistan to the recent attacks has hindered its diplomatic efforts. Historical precedents show that providing evidence has been crucial for garnering international support in past incidents.
- Security Measures: In response to the April attack, India has ramped up security for the Amarnath pilgrimage, deploying thousands of soldiers and advanced surveillance technology. This reflects the heightened security concerns in the region and the government's commitment to ensuring safety for pilgrims.
- Future Implications: The ongoing tensions and India's diplomatic struggles may lead to a reevaluation of its foreign policy strategies, particularly in balancing relationships within the Quad and SCO. The effectiveness of India's approach to counter-terrorism will be critical in shaping its international standing.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, India's refusal to endorse the SCO declaration was due to a lack of consensus on terrorism language, highlighting the influence of the Sino-Pakistan alliance. Anil Trigunayat, a former Indian diplomat, noted that this incident reflects India's limited options in regional forums. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported on the heightened security measures for the Amarnath pilgrimage following the April attack, indicating the government's focus on public safety amidst ongoing tensions. Abdul Basit from the International Centre for Political Violence emphasized that India's diplomatic failures stem from a lack of evidence regarding Pakistan's involvement in the attack, which has affected its credibility in international discussions. This sentiment is echoed by political analysts who criticize India's inability to secure support from its Quad partners, as highlighted in the South China Morning Post.
How we got here
The situation escalated after a militant attack in Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people. India accused Pakistan-based militants of the attack, leading to a brief military conflict. India's diplomatic efforts to address terrorism in regional forums have faced significant challenges, particularly from China and Pakistan.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of India's refusal at the SCO?
- How has the recent attack affected India's security measures?
- What role does Pakistan play in India's diplomatic struggles?
More on these topics
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
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The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, or Shanghai Pact, is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance, the creation of which was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan,