Rajnath Singh to Attend SCO Defence Meet in China

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will represent India at the high-level Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting scheduled to be held in Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 26, 2025. This key multilateral gathering is expected to witness crucial deliberations on a wide array of issues concerning regional and international peace, security, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation among member states.

The upcoming meeting holds significant strategic importance as Defence Ministers from SCO nations will collectively explore avenues to enhance military and defence coordination in the face of growing global and regional challenges. Key issues on the agenda include joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, promote regional stability, and deepen defence collaboration.

During the two-day event, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh is expected to reiterate India’s unwavering commitment to the core principles and objectives of the SCO. He will emphasize India’s broader vision for ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region. The Minister is also likely to call for united and sustained actions against terrorism and extremism, urging member states to work in concert to dismantle support networks and financing mechanisms of terrorist outfits.

Additionally, Shri Rajnath Singh will highlight the importance of fostering greater trade and economic connectivity among SCO nations. He is expected to underscore the potential of the region in contributing to global economic growth if countries work together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

Apart from participating in the main discussions, the Raksha Mantri will also engage in bilateral meetings with his counterparts from several member states, including Russia and China. These side meetings will provide an opportunity to strengthen India’s defence ties and address bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

India views the SCO as a vital platform for fostering regional collaboration and promoting a multipolar world order rooted in multilateralism. The nation places a strong emphasis on political dialogue, security partnerships, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange within the SCO framework. These elements, India believes, are essential for achieving lasting peace and development in the region.

The SCO is an inter-governmental organisation founded in 2001 with the objective of strengthening mutual trust and good-neighbourly relations among member states. It also aims to promote effective cooperation in politics, trade, the economy, science, technology, culture, education, energy, transportation, tourism, environmental protection, and other sectors. India joined the SCO as a full member in 2017 and held the rotating Chairmanship in 2023, reinforcing its active role in the group.

Current members of the SCO include India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. With China assuming the Chairmanship for 2025 under the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move”, the Qingdao meeting sets the tone for advancing shared goals and deepening the spirit of cooperation within the SCO community.

As India continues to advocate for a peaceful, secure, and interconnected region, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh’s participation in the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting will reaffirm India’s proactive stance and enduring commitment to regional and global stability.