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Key Points

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in crucial bilateral discussions with counterparts from Tajikistan, Russia, and Belarus during the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao. The summit emphasized regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation among member states. India reiterated its commitment to SCO's principles of sovereignty and mutual respect. The event also saw participation from China, Pakistan, and other SCO nations.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Meets Tajikistan and Russia Defence Ministers at SCO Summit

  • Rajnath Singh meets Tajikistan's Emomali Sobirzoda at SCO summit
  • Strengthens defence ties with Russia's Andrey Belousov
  • SCO focuses on counter-terrorism and regional security
  • India highlights commitment to multilateral cooperation
3 min read

Rajnath Singh meets Tajikistan Defence Minister Emomali Sobirzoda on sidelines of SCO meeting

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds key bilateral talks with Tajikistan, Russia, and Belarus counterparts at SCO meeting in Qingdao.

"SCO pursues its policy based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity of nations, and mutual respect – Indian Defence Ministry"

Qingdao, June 26

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday met with his Tajikistan counterpart, Lieutenant General Emomali Sobirzoda, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China.

Earlier, Singh met with his Belarusian counterpart, Lieutenant General Viktor Gennadievich Khrenin, on Thursday, also on the sidelines of the ongoing SCO meeting in Qingdao.

Continuing his bilateral engagements, the Defence Minister also held a meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, further strengthening defence ties.

As part of the day's programme, the Defence Ministers of the SCO visited the Qingdao International Conference Centre, the venue of the 2018 SCO Summit, reflecting on the organisation's evolving role in regional cooperation.

The SCO Defence Ministers' meeting, being held from June 25 to 26, brings together member states to deliberate on key regional and global security issues.

According to the Ministry of Defence, discussions at the meeting are expected to focus on promoting international and regional peace and security, strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation, and enhancing collaboration among the defence ministries of SCO member states.

Upon his arrival at the venue, Rajnath Singh was received by Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun. The two leaders later joined other participating ministers for a group photograph before the official proceedings commenced.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif arrived at the venue after Singh.

In a press release, the Ministry of Defence stated that India is expected to highlight its continued commitment to the principles and mandate of the SCO, articulate its vision for greater international peace and security, call for united and consistent efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism in the region, and emphasise the need for deeper trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity within the bloc.

India, the Ministry noted, attaches high importance to the SCO as a platform for fostering multilateralism and cooperation across political, security, economic, and cultural domains among its members.

"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," the Defence Ministry added.

The SCO is an intergovernmental organisation established in 2001. India became a full member in 2017 and held the rotating chairmanship in 2023. The current members of the bloc include India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 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

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun P.
Good to see India actively engaging with Central Asian nations like Tajikistan. These partnerships are crucial for regional stability and countering terrorism. Hope we see more defense cooperation in areas like training and intelligence sharing. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Interesting that this meeting happened in China while our border issues with them remain unresolved. Hope Rajnath Singh ji raised our concerns discreetly. SCO is important but national security comes first!
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Rahul K.
The SCO meetings always feel awkward with Pakistan present. How can we seriously discuss counter-terrorism when their establishment still supports cross-border terrorism? Hope our minister made this point strongly.
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Sunita T.
Tajikistan is strategically important as it borders Afghanistan. With Taliban ruling there, we need strong partners in the region. Smart diplomacy by our defense minister 👏
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Vikram S.
While these meetings are important, I hope our government is also focusing on modernizing our own defense capabilities. No amount of diplomacy can replace strong indigenous military power.
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Neha R.
The Shanghai Spirit talks about mutual respect, but China's actions in South China Sea and our borders show otherwise. Hope India uses SCO platform to expose these double standards politely but firmly.

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