Rajnath Singh to Represent India at SCO Summit in Tajikistan
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits Dushanbe for the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting to boost regional cooperation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to travel to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to represent India at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The high-level diplomatic gathering is scheduled to take place from October 19 to October 20.
Focus on Trade, Innovation, and Connectivity
According to the Ministry of Defence, this summit will serve as a critical platform for SCO Member States to bolster multilateral cooperation. The discussions are expected to center on several key pillars of regional growth, including:
- Economic Growth: Strengthening trade, investments, and overall economic ties.
- Infrastructure: Enhancing connectivity between member nations.
- Modernization: Focusing on innovation and the adoption of new technologies.
- Cultural Ties: Promoting cultural and humanitarian exchanges to foster better understanding between nations.
Reviewing Institutional Progress
Beyond thematic cooperation, the meeting will involve a comprehensive review of current initiatives already underway within the SCO. The member states will also deliberate on decisions regarding the financial and institutional functioning of the Organisation to ensure its operational efficiency.
India's Strategic Contribution
India continues to be a proactive participant in the SCO's various mechanisms. The Ministry highlighted that India has been contributing significantly to regional cooperation through specific, forward-looking initiatives such as:
- The promotion of start-ups and innovation.
- The development and sharing of digital public infrastructure.
- Increasing people-to-people exchanges to strengthen diplomatic bonds.
The Dushanbe meeting is viewed as a prime opportunity for India to exchange views with other member states and push for practical, mutually beneficial cooperation that aligns with its regional interests.
Looking Back at Previous Engagements
This visit follows the previous CHG meeting held in Moscow, Russia, on November 18, 2025, where India's interests were represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.