The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting took place in Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 26, 2025. This gathering of member states focused on critical regional and global security issues, highlighting the SCO's role in international cooperation.
The meeting's agenda included discussions on international and regional peace, counter-terrorism, and strengthening collaboration among SCO member states' defence ministries. Key participants included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of India and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, who held bilateral talks to enhance defence cooperation.
The SCO, established in 2001, includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. China, holding the rotating chairmanship in 2024, hosted the meeting. The SCO leaders' summit is scheduled for Tianjin in autumn 2025.
India emphasized its commitment to the SCO's principles, advocating for joint efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism. The meeting is a pivotal platform for member states to collaborate on security matters, reinforcing India's dedication to multilateral cooperation and regional stability.
Attendees should watch for outcomes related to counter-terrorism strategies and enhanced defence collaborations. The meeting underscores the SCO's significance in promoting multilateralism and cooperation across various sectors within the region.