Khawaja Asif and Rajnath Singh Attend SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek

Defence ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states gathered in the Kyrgyz capital today for high-level discussions on regional security, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented New Delhi, while Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif led Islamabad’s delegation.

The two-day meeting, held on April 27-28, brought together top defence officials from SCO nations including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian states. Participants posed for a group photograph in front of a banner featuring the event title in multiple languages alongside national flags.

The presence of both Rajnath Singh and Khawaja Asif at the same platform comes against the backdrop of recent tensions between India and Pakistan. Earlier in April 2026, the two ministers exchanged strong remarks on security issues, with Singh warning against any “misadventure” and Asif responding that Pakistan’s reply to any attack would be “swift, calibrated, and decisive.”

SCO platforms have previously seen similar interactions, including instances where Rajnath Singh has criticised cross-border terrorism while sharing the stage with his Pakistani counterpart.

The Bishkek meeting focuses on enhancing multilateral defence and security cooperation in the region. Discussions are expected to cover evolving geopolitical dynamics, counter-terrorism efforts, and stability in Central Asia.

Pakistan views the SCO as an important platform for regional engagement despite differing perspectives with some member states.