InternationalFriday, 16 October 2026·The Hindu - National
Rajnath Singh to represent India at SCO Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe
India will be represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Tajikistan on October 19-20, 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On October 19 and 20, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate virtually.
Key specifics
- The two-day SCO meeting will be held under Tajikistan’s chairmanship for 2026.
- The agenda includes trade, investment, transport and logistics, industrial collaboration, and financial interaction.
- Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Tajikistan during the visit.
- Member states mentioned include Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus.
- PM Modi had attended the 26th SCO Heads of State meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, from August 31 to September 1 earlier in 2026.
Exam lens
TNPSC international-relations questions may ask about SCO, Tajikistan chairmanship, Dushanbe meeting dates, and India’s representation by Rajnath Singh instead of the Prime Minister.