Rajnath Singh to represent India at SCO meet in Tajikistan
New Delhi aims to expand regional trade, boost connectivity, and showcase its digital public infrastructure at the multilateral summit in Dushanbe.
Rajnath Singh leads Indian delegation to Dushanbe
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Dushanbe on October 19 and 20 to represent India at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
The high-level summit will focus on deepening multilateral economic ties, expanding trade, and building resilient regional supply chains. The Council of Heads of Government, which meets annually to steer economic cooperation and approve the organisation's budget, provides a key platform for India to showcase its leadership in trade integration and infrastructure development.
Boosting trade, digital infrastructure and connectivity
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Dushanbe meeting will review ongoing initiatives and focus on enhancing cooperation in investment, transport logistics, innovation, and digital public infrastructure. India has consistently championed practical solutions to lower trade barriers across the region, advocating paperless trade, simplified customs procedures, and modernised multimodal transport networks.
India's engagement within the SCO framework covers several key economic and technology sectors:
| Strategic Focus Area | Key Indian Priorities | Primary Policy Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Facilitation | Paperless trade, simplified customs | Lowering transaction costs |
| Digital Innovation | Cross-border payments, public infrastructure | Empowering startups and MSMEs |
| Energy Security | Green hydrogen, critical minerals | Long-term sustainable growth |
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry noted that India has urged member nations to leverage digital payments and expand cross-border financial integration to support micro, small and medium enterprises. India is also advancing partnership opportunities in green hydrogen, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy security to foster regional stability.
Expanding India's strategic footprint in Central Asia
India remains an active driver of SCO mechanisms, spearheading targeted programs in digital innovation, startups, and cultural exchanges. The Dushanbe summit allows New Delhi to reinforce its vision of practical and mutually beneficial connectivity rooted in economic progress.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India at the previous Council of Heads of Government summit held in Moscow. Mr Singh's presence in Tajikistan underlines the high priority India accords to expanding economic ties and strategic cooperation across Central Asia.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Edition | 25th Meeting of Council of Heads of Government | Ministry of Defence |
| Summit Dates | October 19–20 | Ministry of Defence |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Rajnath Singh | Defence Minister representing India at the SCO summit. |
| Dushanbe | Capital city of Tajikistan where the summit is being held. |
| Shanghai Cooperation Organisation | Multilateral regional organisation holding its Council of Heads of Government meeting. |
| Tajikistan | Host nation for the 25th SCO CHG meeting. |
