Dushanbe: India is scheduled to host the inaugural Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Civilisational Dialogue Forum by the end of this year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Tuesday during an address in Tajikistan. Speaking at a meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Singh extended an invitation to all member nations of the bloc to take part in the upcoming event.
The establishment of the forum was originally proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the SCO Council of Heads of State summit held in Tianjin in 2025. The initiative is designed to foster closer people-to-people connections and provide a global platform to highlight ancient civilisations, literature, art, and regional traditions.
Reflecting on the bloc's history, Singh noted that leaders at the Bishkek summit recently marked the 25-year milestone of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, using the occasion to assess past progress and deliberate on future priorities. He reiterated India's strategic framework for the organization, which centers on security, connectivity, and opportunity as mutually reinforcing pillars that enable trade, investment, and public welfare.
During his address, Singh also drew attention to several Indian-led global sustainability efforts, including the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which aid in delivering accessible clean energy and climate-resilient development. He pointed to Mission LiFE as a driver for sustainable habits and responsible resource consumption, alongside the Global Biofuel Alliance for cleaner energy transitions.
Following deliberations, the heads of delegations formally adopted the joint communique for the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Government Heads, alongside administrative measures, the 2027 organizational budget, and the PMTEC Action Plan spanning 2026 through 2030. The council primarily focuses on advancing economic partnerships and practical cooperation across member states, with India maintaining full membership since 2017.
On the sidelines of the summit, Singh held bilateral discussions with Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda, emphasizing the deep historical and interpersonal bonds between the two nations. He also held talks with Iran's First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, centering discussions on regional cooperation, security priorities, and the upcoming civilisational dialogue initiative.