India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that, “Epicentres of terror are no longer safe.” This threat is assumed to be targeted at Pakistan comes at a time where India still remains slightly shaken after the violence that erupted in Jammu and Kashmir and shows India’s growing frustration with what they claim to be Pakistani backed cross border militant action. Although framed in a defensive posture, it signals a shift in India’s counterterrorism policy, a change that could affect how India deals with Pakistan.
In a recent public statement issued by India’s Defence Minister on June 26, 2025, made during the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, he called on the rest of the international forum to condemn countries who use cross border terrorism.
As part of this statement, the Defence Minister also issues a threat to Pakistan. India has accused Pakistan of harbouring and supporting these militant “terrorist groups” who launch attacks in India. However, this threat at an international stage shows India’s will to change its security stance as well as puts pressure on Pakistan. The Defence Minister’s refusal to sign the SCO communique also shows this shift by India in a clear light.
While both governments “debate and discuss” security, it is civilians who are on both sides of the LOC who continue to pay the price, whether that be for the terror attacks or retaliatory strikes or increasing military policies which lead to cases like the Amshipora fake encounter killing, where 3 civilians were killed as the army claimed they were Pakistani militants.
Even though India’s statement may have been to deter Pak, it also shows the limits of diplomacy and how justice for India, its citizens, and its sovereignty is still far from reach. This statement also marks a looming threat for the citizens of both nations, as for them, the consequences may be far more than rhetorical or an empty threat. In a region which is already on the edge of conflict, these words could mean real consequences for the civilians on either side
good insights….indeed it’s a difficult balance of safety of civilians versus security threat to a country made difficult by vested interests