Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to travel to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to represent India at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The high-level diplomatic gathering is set to take place from October 19 to October 20.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the upcoming summit will concentrate on deepening multilateral ties among member states. Key areas of focus will include trade, economic cooperation, investment, regional connectivity, technological innovation, and cultural-humanitarian exchanges.
In addition to setting new priorities, the meeting is expected to evaluate the advancement of current cooperative projects. Attendees will also review administrative and financial matters concerning the institutional operations of the organisation.
The official release noted that India maintains active participation across multiple SCO platforms, contributing to regional progress through targeted efforts in startup ecosystems, digital public infrastructure, and cultural dialogues.
The summit will serve as a platform for India to confer with fellow member nations on fostering practical and mutually advantageous partnerships within the framework of the organisation.
Previously, the Council of Heads of Government meeting took place in Moscow, Russia, on November 18, 2025, where the Indian delegation was led by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.