Indian-Russia at SCO Summit: The Indian Army and the Russian Land Forces have come closer after they met at the 4th Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) Sub Working Group (Land) meeting. This meeting took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, from June 25 to 27. During this visit, both sides mainly talked about how they could work more together in defence and military matters.
They discussed areas like using drones, stopping enemy drones (Counter-UAS), electronic warfare, and improving equipment for military transport and supplies. The Indian Army also visited two important places during their stay Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy and the 56th Guards District Training Centre in the Leningradsky Military District.
Both sides seem focused on sharing newer technologies and learning from each other. The idea is to keep growing this military relationship in ways that are useful on the battlefield and in training. The goal is not just to build stronger connections but to actually work together more in the future.
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Indian-Russia at SCO Summit
While this was going on, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also busy meeting leaders from other countries at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China. This event was held from June 25 to 26 and brought together defence ministers from many countries to talk about peace, security, and how to fight terrorism together.
Singh met Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of this event. This important meeting happened right after Singh reached the venue on Thursday. When he arrived, he was welcomed by Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun. Singh also joined Admiral Dong and other leaders for a group photo before the main event began. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif came shortly after Singh, reported DD news.
The Ministry of Defence said in a press release that India will keep supporting the goals of the SCO.
They said, “The Defence Ministry is expected to highlight India’s continued commitment to the principles and mandate of the SCO, outline India’s vision towards achieving greater international peace and security, call for joint and consistent efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism in the region, and stress the need for greater trade, economic cooperation and connectivity within the SCO. He will also hold bilateral meetings with the Defence Ministers of some participating countries, including China and Russia, on the sidelines of the meeting.”
India’s Role in the SCO and Regional Cooperation
The Defence Ministry also said that India sees the SCO as a very useful group to promote working together in different areas like politics, security, economy, and even cultural ties between countries.
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According to them, “SCO pursues its policy based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity of nations, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual respect, understanding and equality of all member states.” India wants to keep using this group to build peace and security in the region.
The SCO was set up in 2001 and now has several member countries. India officially became a full member in 2017. In 2023, India led the group as chair. Countries that are part of the SCO include India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. For the year 2025, China is the new chair and will work with the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.”
