Goa, June 27 -- India has declined to endorse a joint statement proposed during a meeting of the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), citing concerns that the document favored Pakistan by failing to acknowledge a deadly terror attack targeting Indian tourists in April.

According to a source familiar with the matter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh objected to the wording of the statement, arguing it undermined India's position on terrorism and regional security. The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, said the statement "aligned with Pakistan's narrative" by mentioning militant activities in Balochistan but omitting the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 peopl...