Rajnath Singh to lead India's delegation at SCO defence meet in Tajikistan

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tajikistan as India's representative, according to the Ministry of Defence. The high-level gathering will bring together defence and security officials from SCO member states to discuss mechanisms for enhanced cooperation and coordination across the bloc.

The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening multilateral defence partnerships among SCO members while addressing broader regional concerns. Trade facilitation and cross-border connectivity initiatives are also anticipated to feature prominently in discussions, reflecting the organisation's commitment to economic integration alongside security cooperation.

The SCO, which includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan and four Central Asian nations, serves as a key forum for dialogue on regional security and development. India's participation underscores the country's strategic engagement with the grouping and its neighbours in addressing shared challenges.

Singh's attendance follows India's continued active involvement in SCO affairs as a full member state. The defence minister's visit will provide an opportunity to advance India's interests in regional security architecture and bilateral defence ties with SCO member nations.