New Delhi: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lead a high-level Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting scheduled to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on April 28.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, will see defence ministers from member nations deliberate on key regional and global security challenges. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing counter-terrorism mechanisms, and promoting peace and stability across the region.
This year’s deliberations assume greater significance against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Member states are likely to explore coordinated strategies to mitigate the broader security and economic implications of the evolving conflict.
India is expected to reiterate its firm commitment to global peace and stability, while strongly advocating a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and extremism. The Defence Minister will also underline India’s consistent position on strengthening multilateral cooperation to address emerging security threats.
On the sidelines of the summit, Shri Rajnath Singh is expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from participating nations, aimed at deepening defence ties and strategic partnerships.
Established on June 15, 2001, the SCO is one of the world’s largest regional organisations, comprising member states including India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus. India became a full member in 2017 and held the rotating chairmanship in 2023.