Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lead a high-level Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting to be held at Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 26.

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

Singh 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 & connectivity within SCO.

Bilateral Meetings With Defence Ministers

He will also hold bilateral meetings with the Defence Ministers of some participating countries, including China and Russia, on the sidelines of the meeting.

India attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multi-lateralism, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions in the region.

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: An Inter-Governmental Organisation

SCO is an inter-governmental organisation established in 2001.

India became a full member in 2017 and assumed the rotating Chairmanship in 2023.

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

India-SCO Cooperation

India historically has a close relationship with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries which is based on mutual trust and goodwill, the main pillars of India’s multi-dimensional foreign policy.

India’s strong and vibrant modern-day engagement with the SCO countries facilitated India’s smooth entry into the organisation.

India was granted Observer Status in SCO in 2005 which was later elevated to full membership in 2017.

The more than a decade-long association with SCO as observer and subsequently as a full member underscores India’s willingness to play a proactive role in the organisation, read the Indian Embassy in China website.

India has been actively participating in SCO and has been providing substantial support to various mechanisms in the forum.

After its accession, India is focusing on initiating proposals for the mutual benefit of SCO Member States, Observers and Dialogue Partners.

India’s extensive engagement in SCO has contributed to further enhancing the role and authority of SCO in international arena.