India closely watching developments in West Asia amid Iran-Israel ceasefire

ANTI-TERROR STANCE REAFFIRMED AT SCO: MEA

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

NEW DELHI: India reiterated its firm position on countering terrorism with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivering a robust intervention at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting on Thursday. The meeting, without a joint statement as there was no consensus, had India pushing for clear words on terrorism. This reportedly was opposed by one of the member states.

Though the lack of a consensus ensured the final document could not be adopted, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted India's determination to place terrorism at the forefront of the regional security debate.

"Our Defence Minister clearly articulated India's concerns. There was no consensus on certain issues, including terrorism, hence the joint statement could not be adopted. But India's position is clear: terrorism in all its forms must be opposed collectively," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

On West Asia affairs, India is watching developments closely since the Iran-Israel ceasefire. Jaiswal gave a detailed report on Operation Sindhu—India's evacuation operation launched after the outbreak of hostilities.