India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 28 April 2026, leading a high-level Indian delegation.
The meeting brought together defence ministers of SCO member states to deliberate on regional security, defence cooperation, and global geopolitical challenges, especially rising tensions in West Asia.
India emphasised its commitment to global peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation while reiterating its consistent policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and extremism.
During the discussions, India highlighted that terrorism remains the most serious threat to global security and called for a unified and uncompromising approach among SCO nations.
Rajnath Singh also stressed the need to eliminate double standards in dealing with terrorism, indirectly targeting state-sponsored cross-border terrorism within the region.
On the sidelines, India engaged in bilateral meetings with defence counterparts from countries like China and Kyrgyzstan, focusing on regional stability and defence cooperation.
The SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting holds significance as it reflects India’s strategic engagement with Eurasian nations and its role in shaping regional security architecture.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, established in 2001, includes major Eurasian powers and focuses on security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.
Expected Current Affairs Questions for UPSC CDS NDA and AFCAT Written Exam
Q1. The SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2026, attended by India, was held in:
A. Tashkent
B. Bishkek
C. Astana
D. Moscow
Answer: B
Explanation: The 2026 SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where India was represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Q2. Which of the following best describes India’s key stance at the SCO Defence Meet 2026?
A. Promotion of nuclear disarmament only
B. Advocacy of economic sanctions
C. Zero tolerance towards terrorism and extremism
D. Withdrawal from multilateral organisations
Answer: C
Explanation: India strongly reiterated its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and called for unified global action against it.
Q3. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established in which year?
A. 1995
B. 2001
C. 2005
D. 2010
Answer: B
Explanation: SCO was established in 2001 to promote regional security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism among Eurasian countries.
SCO: Key Facts for AFCAT CDS NDA Exams
Established: 2001
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Members: 9 (including India and Iran as latest full member – 2023)
Focus: Security, economic cooperation, and regional stability
India joined: 2017 (Astana Summit)
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