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Rajnath Singh Honors Heroes at Victory Square in Bishkek Ahead of SCO Meet

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to fallen heroes by laying a wreath at Victory Square in Bishkek. He arrived in the Kyrgyz capital to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence ministers' meeting. The summit will focus on regional security, the West Asia crisis, and counter-terrorism initiatives. Singh also emphasized India's commitment to global peace and zero tolerance for terrorism.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute in Bishkek Before SCO Defence Meet

  • Rajnath Singh pays tribute at Victory Square in Bishkek
  • Attends SCO defence ministers' meeting on regional security
  • Focus on West Asia crisis and counter-terrorism
  • Bilateral meetings planned with SCO counterparts
2 min read

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to fallen heroes at Victory Square in Bishkek

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lays a wreath at Victory Square in Bishkek, attends SCO defence ministers' meeting focusing on regional security and West Asia crisis.

"Leaving for Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan... Shall highlight India's commitment towards global peace - Rajnath Singh"

Bishkek, April 28

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday paid tribute to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath at Victory Square in Bishkek, marking a solemn start to his official engagements in the capital.

The visit follows Singh's arrival in the Kyrgyz capital on Monday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers' meeting, where regional security and the ongoing crisis in West Asia are expected to dominate the agenda.

The gathering, scheduled for Tuesday, will see defence chiefs from member nations deliberating on critical issues, including international peace, counter-terrorism initiatives, and enhanced defence cooperation within the bloc.

According to the Defence Ministry, this year's summit is being held against the backdrop of the conflict in West Asia, and the SCO, one of the world's largest political and economic bodies, is likely to explore strategies to mitigate the impact of the hostilities.

Prior to his departure from New Delhi, Rajnath Singh had emphasised India's priorities on the global stage, stating on X: "Leaving for Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan... Shall highlight India's commitment towards global peace, amidst the security challenges prevailing in the world, apart from conveying India's consistent stance on Zero Tolerance for Terrorism and Extremism."

Upon his arrival in Bishkek, the Defence Minister was accorded a traditional ceremonial reception, which included being offered Borsok, a well-known Kyrgyz delicacy.

Beyond the formal summit, Singh is also expected to conduct bilateral meetings with his counterparts from several participating countries on the sidelines to discuss mutual security interests.

The SCO currently includes India, Russia, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.

Since becoming a full member in 2017, India has played a pivotal role in the grouping, notably assuming the rotating chairmanship in 2023.

Originally founded in 2001 by Russia, China, and Central Asian states, the SCO has grown into a major regional powerhouse over the last twenty years.

Its strategic influence was further expanded last year during the Indian presidency with the formal induction of Iran as a full member state.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see India actively engaging in SCO. But let's not forget—Pakistan is also a member. How do we ensure our security interests aren't compromised when they sit at the same table? Need strong diplomacy here.
V
Vikram M
The Borsok offering is a nice cultural touch—shows India's soft power in Central Asia. These bilateral ties beyond China and Russia matter a lot. More trade and military cooperation with Kyrgyzstan will benefit us in the long run.
M
Michael C
Interesting timing. While Russia is preoccupied with Ukraine, India is stepping up as a responsible SCO member. The West Asia crisis needs a united front—but will China play ball? Curious to see how this unfolds.
R
Rohit P
Defence Minister's speech on zero tolerance for terrorism is exactly what the world needs to hear. But we must also address internal issues—like cross-border terror from our neighbours. SCO should be a platform for action, not just words.
S
Sarah B
Nice to see India's influence growing in Central Asia. The SCO membership since 2017 has been a smart move. The bilateral meetings on the sidelines are often more important than the main agenda. Hope Rajnath ji builds strong ties.
K
Kavya N

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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