[EXCLUSIVE]: Rajnath Singh to focus on terrorism, international security at SCO Defence Ministers meet

The SCO meeting on 24 September will be an important event as the defence ministers of participating countries including Russia, China and Pakistan are expected to take part. The other members of the SCO are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and the hosts, Uzbekistan.

Srinjoy Chowdhury

Updated Aug 10, 2022, 09:40 IST

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (file).

Photo : BCCL

New Delhi: Terrorism and the international security situation is likely to be on the agenda when Rajnath Singh visits Tashkent, in Uzbekistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's conference of defence ministers.

No discussions regarding bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the function have taken place, but it is unlikely that Singh will meet his Pakistani counterpart, Khawaja Muhammed Asif. Singh has of course met Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, several times, including during bilateral meetings in Moscow.

India is likely to bring up several important issues including the situation in Afghanistan, an important issue in the wake of the United States striking Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Al Queda chief in the heart of Taliban-held Kabul, terrorism in the neighbourhood, the need for the reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council.

India has said the current structure of the UN Security Council reflects the world in 1945 and changes are necessary. Four of the five permanent members have spoken for India's inclusion in the UNSC. One country that has not supported India's claim will be present at the SCO meeting: China. The current crises in Ukraine and Taiwan may also be brought up.

A meeting of national security advisors of the SCO countries is also on the cards. Top National Security Council officials could also be present for the meeting.

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