Qingdao, China | June 25–26, 2025 — Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to lead a high-level Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, marking a strategic diplomatic engagement at a time when India–China relations remain delicate.

Significance of the Visit

High-level engagement

Defence Minister Singh will hold bilateral talks with key counterparts, notably China’s Admiral Dong Jun and Russia’s Defence Minister Andrey Belousov. This underscores India’s focus on regional defence cooperation.

Call for regional stability

Singh is expected to advocate for enhanced regional and international peace efforts, stronger counter-terrorism initiatives, and greater economic connectivity across SCO nations.

Contextual Backdrop

Post-Galwan thaw, but tensions persist

This marks the first visit of an Indian defence minister to China since the 2020 Ladakh standoff and the deadly Galwan clash. While disengagement at points like Depsang and Demchok began in late 2020, a full border resolution remains elusive.

Strategic balancing act

India’s participation reflects a nuanced strategy — engaging multilaterally via SCO even as bilateral border and security complexities with China persist.

Agenda Highlights