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With tensions in West Asia and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War continuing to influence global security, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Kyrgyzstan tomorrow, April 27, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting.
The Central Asian country is holding the SCO Chairmanship for the fourth time by rotation. The theme this year is “25 Years of the SCO – Place for Peace and Prosperity,” highlighting its assurance to strengthen peace, sustainable development, and economic cooperation.
The meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will bring together defence leaders from India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and other member states to discuss regional stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and evolving security challenges. India is expected to reiterate its consistent position on tackling terrorism and stress on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Beyond the multilateral setting, sources say the defence minister is likely to hold bilateral meetings with several counterparts, including those from China and Russia, as maintaining dialogue remains important amid shifting geopolitical alignments.
India–Kyrgyzstan defence engagement
The visit also builds on steady defence ties between India and Kyrgyzstan. Earlier this year, the two countries conducted the joint special forces exercise Khanjar in Assam. The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations in urban and mountainous terrain, with troops from India’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade taking part. This annual drill is aimed at improving coordination and sharing operational experience. And it’s an annual exercise alternating between the two countries.
Defence cooperation has also been discussed at the policy level. Earlier this month, officials from both sides met in New Delhi for the fourth meeting of the India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Working Group on military cooperation. The discussions covered ongoing military-technical engagement and planned activities for the coming years, ending with an agreement to continue expanding cooperation.
The defence minister’s visit comes at a time when the ongoing global conflicts are impacting regional security and the economy. For India, the SCO platform provides a way to engage multiple partners simultaneously while reinforcing its stance on key issues.
Huma Siddiqui
