Defence Secretary-led Indian delegation to attend SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Kazakhstan
- The Indian delegation went to Astana, Kazakhstan for the Annual Meeting of the Defence Ministers' of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States.
- The meeting will review the regional security issues within the SCO, including the defense cooperation initiatives.
- India will hold meetings with Defence Ministers of the friendly countries of the SCO to discuss issues of bilateral defense cooperation.
Shanghai Cooperation Operation:
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is an organization that focuses on political, economic, international security, and defense matters in Eurasia.
- It holds the distinction of being the largest regional organization in terms of geographic coverage and population.
- It emerged as a successor to the Shanghai Five, established in 1996 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
- These countries, along with Uzbekistan, came together on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai to announce the formation of a new organization aimed at deepening political and economic cooperation.
- Over time, the organization expanded its membership to include eight states, with India and Pakistan joining in 2017.
Significance of the SCO-
- Cooperation on Security
- It addresses regional issues like human trafficking, weapons trafficking, and terrorism through initiatives like the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).
- Military Activities
- It conducts joint military exercises to enhance cooperation and coordination against terrorism and external threats.
- Economic Cooperation
- It aims to enhance economic cooperation among member states..
- Cultural Cooperation
- Culture ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet regularly to strengthen cultural cooperation and exchange.
Prelims Takeaway-
- SCO
- Shanghai Five