Rajnath Singh Strengthens Ties With Tajikistan and Iran at SCO Summit
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds key bilateral talks with Tajikistan and Iran leaders on the sidelines of the SCO meeting in Dushanbe.
Representing India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in a series of high-level diplomatic discussions. On Tuesday, the Minister held pivotal meetings with Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda and Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref on the sidelines of the summit.
Diplomatic Outreach in Dushanbe
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Rajnath Singh expressed his pleasure in meeting Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda. During their interaction, the Defence Minister emphasized the profound civilisational ties and the deep-rooted people-to-people connections that have long defined the relationship between India and Tajikistan.
In a separate engagement, Singh met with Iran's First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref. While the discussions were brief, the meeting underscored India's commitment to maintaining diplomatic momentum with key regional players within the SCO framework.
Deepening Defence Cooperation with Tajikistan
The Defence Minister's visit to the Tajik capital began with a warm reception from Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon at the Palace of the Nation. However, a significant portion of the visit was dedicated to enhancing security ties. On Monday, Rajnath Singh held a productive session with his Tajik counterpart, Defence Minister Emomali Sobirzoda.
During these talks, which were also attended by Sherali Jonon, Head of the Asia-Pacific Division at Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders focused on several key areas:
- Capacity Building: Discussions on enhancing military training and skill development.
- Bilateral Defence: A shared desire to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual security interest.
- Historical Ties: Singh recalled his 2021 visit, noting that he wishes to see the defence partnership grow even stronger.
"We are happy and proud that India’s Defence Minister has visited our country this time," stated Minister Sobirzoda, highlighting the importance of the visit in the context of the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
The SCO Agenda: Beyond Security
While defence and security remain paramount, the broader SCO Heads of Government meeting aims to foster a comprehensive regional partnership. According to the Ministry of Defence, the gathering is centered on several strategic pillars:
- Connectivity and Economy: Improving regional trade routes and economic integration.
- Innovation and Investment: Exploring new avenues for financial collaboration and technological growth.
- Cultural Exchange: Strengthening the social fabric through increased people-to-people ties.
India continues to play an active role in these mechanisms, contributing significantly through initiatives involving start-ups and digital transformation to benefit the member states of the bloc.