Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to represent India at upcoming SCO Heads of Government meeting

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. File | Photo Credit: ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India at the upcoming two-day meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 19 and 20, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate virtually, a senior government official said on Thursday (October 15, 2026).

The meeting will be held under Tajikistan’s SCO chairmanship for the year and is expected to focus on strengthening practical cooperation among member states, particularly in trade, investment, transport and logistics.

Ties with Tajikistan

The official said Mr. Singh would also hold a bilateral meeting with Tajikistan during the two-day visit. The discussions are expected to provide an opportunity to review bilateral ties and explore avenues for further cooperation.