India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in Qingdao, China, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting set for June 26. This visit holds significant diplomatic importance as it represents the first high-level engagement between India and China following the pivotal border agreement reached in October 2024, which aimed to de-escalate tensions after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
Singh’s agenda at the SCO summit revolves around advocating for India’s strategic perspective on regional peace and stability. He is set to emphasize the importance of joint action against terrorism while also calling for strengthened cooperation in trade, economic development, and connectivity among the member states of the SCO.
The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and has since expanded to include India and Pakistan. The organization functions as a multilateral platform focused on counteracting Western geopolitical influence in the Eurasian region. Over the years, it has conducted several joint military exercises under the “Peace Mission” framework, including a notable edition in 2007 that involved more than 4,000 troops.
In addition to addressing broader regional issues, Singh is expected to engage in bilateral talks with his counterparts from China and Russia. These discussions will likely address the evolving security dynamics in Asia, with specific attention to concerns related to terrorism, energy security, and military posturing in the Indo-Pacific region. This dialogue comes at a crucial time when India seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy amid rising global polarization.
While there have been recent agreements aimed at ensuring peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India remains vigilant regarding China’s long-term intentions. Singh’s participation in the SCO underscores India’s commitment to utilizing diplomatic channels to safeguard its interests while fostering greater multilateral cooperation.
As the SCO continues to broaden its role in regional security matters, the outcomes of this year’s defence ministers’ summit could significantly influence the strategic interactions among major Eurasian powers, especially against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and shifting power dynamics.
