JUNE 24: Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh is set to lead a high-level Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting being held in Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 26, 2025. This critical meeting will bring together defence heads of SCO member nations to discuss regional security, counter-terrorism collaboration, and enhanced cooperation among defence ministries.
During the meeting, Shri Rajnath Singh will articulate India’s commitment to peace, security, and multilateral cooperation in the region. He is expected to emphasize the need for joint efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism, while also advocating for increased trade, economic collaboration, and connectivity among SCO nations.
The Raksha Mantri will also engage in bilateral discussions with his counterparts from several member countries, including China and Russia, aiming to strengthen defence ties and address key regional concerns. These side meetings reflect India’s proactive approach to constructive defence diplomacy even amid complex geopolitical dynamics.
India, which became a full member of the SCO in 2017, has consistently supported the organisation’s mission of promoting multilateralism, political stability, and economic integration across Eurasia. The Defence Minister is expected to reaffirm India’s adherence to the “Shanghai Spirit”, rooted in principles such as mutual respect, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and equality of member states.
Founded in 2001, the SCO comprises nine full members: India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. India held the SCO Chairmanship in 2023, while China chairs the forum in 2025 under the theme ‘Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move’.
India views the SCO as a vital platform for enhancing regional cooperation and people-to-people ties. With rising global tensions and security threats, especially from terrorism, India’s message at the summit will be one of collective action, transparency, and peaceful progress.
The outcome of this meeting is expected to shape the region’s strategic roadmap in the coming months, especially with major powers engaging on common security concerns.
 Defence Ministers’ Meeting being held in Qingdao, China){kind=link}