Rajnath Singh In China For SCO Defence Ministers’ Meet | What's On Agenda

Last Updated:June 25, 2025, 20:23 IST

Highly placed Chinese Navy officials along with Indian envoy to China Pradeep Rawat welcomed Rajnath Singh for the SCO Defence Ministers’ Conclave in Qingdao.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh greeted by Chinese military officials at airport in Qingdao. (IMAGE: X/@DefenceMinIndia)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Qingdao on Wednesday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting, marking the first high-level visit by an Indian minister to China since the Ladakh border standoff began in May 2020.

Singh shared photos for Qingdao on social media. The pictures there showed Pradeep Kumar Rawat greeting him along with two highly placed officials of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Naval wing.

In a post on X before his departure, Singh said he looked forward to presenting “India’s vision for global peace and security" and calling for “joint and consistent efforts to eliminate terrorism".

During his visit, Singh is expected to hold bilateral discussions with his Chinese and Russian counterparts, with talks likely to focus on a wide range of regional and global security issues — including the ongoing situation in West Asia.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said the Raksha Mantri would underscore India’s commitment to the SCO charter and use the platform to push for stronger cooperation on counterterrorism and connectivity.

“Raksha Mantri is expected to highlight India’s continued commitment to the principles and mandate of the SCO, outline India’s vision towards achieving greater international peace and security, call for joint and consistent efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism in the region, and stress on the need for greater trade, economic cooperation and connectivity within SCO," the ministry said.

The SCO, formed in 2001 by China, Russia and four Central Asian nations, is a key regional bloc for security and economic cooperation. India became a full member in 2017, followed by Iran.

New Delhi uses the SCO as a forum to raise concerns over cross-border terrorism and to call for action against UN-proscribed groups, often pointing to Pakistan-based outfits. The platform also allows India to counter China-led narratives and push for a more inclusive regional order.

While India remains wary of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, it continues to pursue alternative connectivity plans through projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor.

Singh’s visit comes at a time when ties with Beijing remain sensitive, with multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks still unable to fully resolve tensions along the Line of Actual Control.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...

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Location :

Qingdao, China

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