Indian Defence Secretary Leads Delegation to SCO Meeting in Kazakhstan

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane is leading the Indian delegation to the Annual Meeting of the Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States in Astana, Kazakhstan from April 25-26, 2024. The two-day meeting aims to review regional security issues and discuss defence cooperation initiatives within the SCO framework.

Aramane will deliver India's statement at the ministerial meeting and hold bilateral meetings with Defence Ministers from friendly SCO countries to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. The Indian delegation is expected to participate actively in the deliberations and share India's perspective on the regional security environment and the importance of collective efforts to address common challenges.

Why this matters: The SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting is significant as it brings together key regional players to discuss security challenges and strengthen defence ties. India's participation emphasizes its commitment to engaging with the SCO and contributing to regional stability and cooperation.

Earlier this month, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval attended the 19th Meeting of Secretaries of the Security Council of SCO in Astana, where he highlighted the need to hold sponsors, financiers, and facilitators of terrorism accountable. Doval called for effective action against perpetrators of terrorism, including those involved in cross-border terrorism, and raised the issue of continued threats posed by terror groups like Al Qaeda, ISIS, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Muhammad in the SCO region.

The Defence Secretary's visit to Astana for the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting is part of India's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence cooperation and engagement with the SCO member states. The meeting provides a platform for India to discuss regional security matters, share its perspectives, and explore opportunities for enhancing defence ties with friendly SCO countries.

The SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Astana serves as an important forum for India to engage with regional partners, address common security challenges, and contribute to the collective efforts towards maintaining peace and stability in the region. Defence Secretary Aramane's leadership of the Indian delegation underscores India's commitment to actively participating in the SCO framework and strengthening defence cooperation with member states.

Key Takeaways

• Defence Secy Aramane leading Indian delegation to SCO Defence Ministers' meet in Astana.
• Meeting aims to review regional security, discuss defence cooperation within SCO framework.
• India to share perspectives on regional security, counter-terrorism efforts in SCO region.
• Meeting provides platform for India to engage with SCO members, enhance defence ties.
• India's participation emphasizes commitment to SCO, contributing to regional stability.