NewKerala.com

Key Points

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Qingdao for the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting, where he was welcomed by China's Admiral Dong Jun. The summit brings together key regional players, including Pakistan's Khawaja Asif, to discuss security and counter-terrorism. India aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation while advocating for greater economic ties and connectivity. The SCO remains a crucial platform for India to engage with Central Asian nations and counterbalance regional threats.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Attends SCO Defence Ministers Meeting in China

  • Rajnath Singh welcomed by Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun
  • SCO meet focuses on counter-terrorism and regional stability
  • India to hold bilateral talks with China and Russia
  • Pakistan's Khawaja Asif also attends Qingdao summit
2 min read

China: Rajnath Singh arrives for SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Qingdao for SCO meet, discusses regional security with China and Pakistan counterparts.

"India will highlight its commitment to SCO principles and call for joint efforts against terrorism – Indian Defence Ministry"

Qingdao, June 26

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at the venue for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting at Qingdao, China, on Thursday.

The Defence Minister, upon his arrival, was welcomed by the Chinese Defence Minister, Admiral Dong Jun.

Singh, along with the Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Jun and other leaders, also posed for a group photograph ahead of the Defence Ministers' meeting.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had also arrived at the venue after Rajnath Singh made his entrance.

The SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting is set to be held from June 25-26.

The SCO, comprising India, China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries, focuses on promoting regional stability and security through cooperation and dialogue.

During the meeting, the leaders are expected to discuss various issues, including regional and international peace and security, counter-terrorism efforts and cooperation among the Ministries of Defence of SCO member states.

In a press release, Ministry of Defence stated, "Defence Ministry is expected to highlight India's continued commitment to the principles and mandate of the SCO, outline India's vision towards achieving greater international peace & security, call for joint & consistent efforts to eliminate terrorism & extremism in the region, and stress on the need for greater trade, economic cooperation and connectivity within SCO. He will also hold bilateral meetings with the Defence Ministers of some participating countries, including China and Russia, on the sidelines of the meeting."

The Ministry of Defence noted that India attaches special importance to the SCO in promoting multilateralism, politics, security, economics and people-to-people interactions in the region.

It further said, "SCO pursues its policy based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity of nations, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual respect, understanding and equality of all member states."

SCO is an intergovernmental organisation established in 2001. India became its full member in 2017 and assumed the rotating Chairmanship in 2023.

The SCO members, besides India, include Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus. China has assumed the Chair of the SCO for 2025 under the theme 'Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.'

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun P.
Good to see our Defence Minister representing India at such an important platform. Hope he strongly puts forward our concerns about terrorism originating from Pakistan while maintaining diplomatic decorum. The SCO can be useful for regional stability if all members respect each other's sovereignty. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Interesting to see India and Pakistan's defence ministers at the same event. Hope this leads to some constructive dialogue, though I'm skeptical given Pakistan's track record. The real test will be whether they walk the talk on counter-terrorism.
R
Rohit K.
While SCO is important, we must be cautious about China's intentions. Their border transgressions continue even as they host such meetings. Hope Rajnath Singh ji raises the LAC issue firmly in bilateral talks. Jai Hind!
S
Sunita R.
The group photo looks cordial but actions speak louder than pictures. China and Pakistan need to demonstrate real commitment to SCO principles, especially regarding territorial integrity. India should use this platform wisely to strengthen ties with Central Asian nations.
V
Vikram S.
SCO is becoming increasingly relevant in today's multipolar world. India's participation shows our balanced foreign policy - engaging with all while protecting our interests. The economic cooperation aspects could benefit our connectivity projects in Central Asia.
N
Neha T.
Hope the discussions lead to concrete outcomes, not just photo ops. Terrorism and border security should be top priorities. Also, India should push for more people-to-people exchanges under SCO - cultural understanding can help reduce tensions.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50