Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 19 and 20 October 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to join the meeting virtually, a senior government official said on 15 October.
Tajikistan will chair the two-day meeting. It will focus on strengthening cooperation among member states, with particular attention to trade, investment, transport and logistics.
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Trade and Economic Cooperation on the Agenda:
The meeting is expected to cover trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. Member states will also discuss transport and logistics, the digital and creative economy, innovation and financial cooperation.
Social, cultural and humanitarian ties will also form part of the discussions. The meeting will bring together heads of government and senior representatives from SCO member states to explore ways to strengthen regional cooperation and economic relations.
Rajnath Singh to Hold Talks with Tajikistan:
During his visit, Singh is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Tajikistan. The talks will provide an opportunity to review relations between the two countries and explore further areas of cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi usually attends the SCO Council of Heads of State meetings. Earlier this year, he participated in the 26th meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, held from 31 August to 1 September.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 15 October that Premier Li Qiang would visit Tajikistan from 18 to 20 October. He will attend the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting during the visit, following an invitation from Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda.
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Other member states, including Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus, are expected to send their heads of government or designated senior officials.
The SCO brings together countries across Eurasia to promote cooperation in regional security, economic development and cultural exchanges. The Council of Heads of Government plays an important role in advancing economic cooperation and addressing other areas of common interest among member states.