Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Bishkek on Monday to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting, a major regional forum on security and defence cooperation. He received a ceremonial welcome on arrival and was presented with borsok, a traditional Kyrgyz snack.
Singh is due to join talks on Tuesday with defence ministers from SCO member states to discuss ways to strengthen defence cooperation, enhance regional stability, and address common security challenges. Ahead of his departure he posted on X that he was looking forward to attending the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
The minister said he will underscore India’s commitment to global peace amid current security tensions and reiterate India’s policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism and extremism. His schedule in Bishkek includes bilateral meetings with SCO counterparts and engagements with the local Indian community.
The SCO, founded in 2001 by China, Russia and several Central Asian countries, has expanded its role in Eurasian security and economic cooperation; Iran became a full member in 2023 during India’s SCO presidency, broadening the grouping’s scope.
The defence ministers’ meeting is expected to provide a platform to deepen military-to-military ties, with discussions likely to cover comprehensive counter-terrorism measures, joint exercises, and improved intelligence-sharing among members.
India and Kyrgyzstan maintain steady defence relations, including regular joint training and officer exchanges. Earlier this month in New Delhi, the fourth meeting of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Working Group on defence cooperation convened to explore expanded technical exchanges and potential industrial partnerships for fiscal 2026-27.
