Defense minister Rajnath Singh on Monday landed in Kyrgyzstan’s capital of Bishkek to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers’ meeting on Tuesday, which is likely to discuss the prevailing situation in West Asia.The defense ministers of various member countries will deliberate upon a number of issues concerning defense and security of the region, international peace, counter-terrorism and defense cooperation among SCO member states. This year’s SCO meeting is taking place against the backdrop of West Asia conflict. SCO, one of the largest political & economic organizations of the region, may discuss measures to reduce the impact of the conflict, according to the defense ministry.Before his departure, Rajnath posted onOn his arrival in Bishkek, Rajnath was accorded a traditional welcome and offered Borsok, a popular Kyrgyz delicacy, as part of the ceremonial reception.The defense minister is likely to hold bilateral talks with his counterparts from some participating countries on the sidelines of the meeting.SCO comprises India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus. India became a full member in 2017 and assumed the organization’s rotating chairmanship in 2023.The SCO, established in 2001 by China, Russia and several Central Asian nations, has evolved into a significant regional bloc over past two decades. The grouping’s influence was further bolstered in 2023 with inclusion of Iran as a full member during the Indian presidency.
