23rd SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2026: Rajnath Singh Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Terrorism

SCO Defence Dialogue in Bishkek: Strengthening Eurasian Security

On April 28, 2026, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The meeting focused on regional security cooperation and counter-terrorism amid global uncertainties.

Key Highlights of India's Stand:

• Zero-Tolerance Policy: India reiterated its firm stance against terrorism and extremism, urging member states to eliminate safe havens and cross-border support for terror networks.


• Bilateral Engagement: On the sidelines, Rajnath Singh held talks with counterparts from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China, and Belarus to enhance sectoral collaboration and capacity building.


• Regional Stability: Discussions covered the ongoing West Asia crisis and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

For International Relations (IR) aspirants, this meeting marks the 25th anniversary year of SCO's founding (2001-2026), emphasizing its role as a pivot for Eurasian security.