Defence Secretary To Lead Indian Delegation At SCO Defence Ministers' Meet In Kazakhstan

The Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, will deliver India's statement at the ministerial meeting during the SCO gathering.

File photo of Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane will lead the Indian delegation at the Annual Meeting of the Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States in Astana, Kazakhstan, scheduled from April 25-26, 2024.

The gathering aims to assess regional security matters within the SCO framework, with a particular focus on defense cooperation initiatives.

The Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, will deliver India's statement at the ministerial meeting during the SCO gathering. Additionally, he will engage in bilateral discussions with Defence Ministers from friendly SCO countries to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral defense cooperation, according to a government statement.

Doval At SCO Meet

Earlier this month, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led an Indian delegation at the 19th Meeting of Secretaries of the Security Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana. During his address, Doval emphasised the imperative to reject double standards and hold accountable the sponsors, financiers, and facilitators of terrorism.

He underscored that terrorism, regardless of its perpetrators or motivations, cannot be justified. Doval advocated for swift and decisive action against all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in combatting this global menace, as per a report of TOI.

As per reports, he raised the issue of Several terrorist groups in the SCO region, including those designated by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) such as Al Qaeda, ISIS, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Muhammad, during the recent SCO Security Council meeting in Astana.

He alluded to the longstanding historical ties between SCO nations and India, expressing India's commitment to further strengthening these bonds.

Additionally, Doval stressed India's dedication to enhancing transit trade and connectivity within the SCO framework, emphasising the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all SCO member states.