Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to lead India at the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government, scheduled to take place in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. The high-profile two-day summit will be held on October 19 and 20, bringing together leaders to deliberate on pressing regional and economic issues.
Key Focus on Trade, Technology, and Cooperation
The core agenda of this upcoming summit features extensive discussions on trade, economic growth, investment opportunities, regional connectivity, modern technology, and cultural cooperation. Additionally, the gathering will conduct a comprehensive review of the ongoing collaborative projects and initiatives among all SCO member nations to evaluate their progress and effectiveness.
Advancing Digital Public Infrastructure and Innovation
Through this prominent multilateral platform, India intends to strongly advocate for enhanced collaboration in digital public infrastructure, startup ecosystems, and technological innovation. The summit provides a strategic opportunity for India to deepen regional integration, foster partnerships, and address shared mutual interests with member countries.
Previous Summit Context and Background
The preceding meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government took place in November 2025 in Moscow, Russia, where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented the Indian government. The upcoming discussions in Dushanbe build upon these diplomatic engagements, aiming to further solidify economic and strategic ties across the region.
