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Defence Secretary-led Indian delegation to attend SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Kazakhstan

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

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