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Rajnath Singh met Tajik Defence Minister Emomali Sobirzoda in Dushanbe. The talks underscored expanding bilateral capacity building and military training.
Dushanbe,Oct 19, 2026 23:00 IST
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday held a "productive discussion" with his Tajikistan counterpart Emomali Sobirzoda and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
Singh is on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan to represent India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Council of Heads of Government meeting. The meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation among member states in trade, economy, investment, connectivity, innovation, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
According to PTI, Singh was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival at Dushanbe airport. He was received by Sobirzoda and Sherali Jonon of Tajikistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Had a productive discussion with Defence Minister of Tajikistan in Dushanbe on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of Government Meeting," Singh said in a post on X.
"We exchanged views on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest with emphasis on capacity building and training," he added.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the meeting was also expected to review the progress of ongoing cooperation initiatives and consider decisions related to the organisation's financial and institutional functioning.
India remains actively involved in various SCO mechanisms and continues to support regional cooperation through initiatives involving start-ups and innovation, digital public infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges, the ministry said.
The meeting will also allow India to exchange views with other SCO member states on practical and mutually beneficial cooperation within the organisation.
The previous Council of Heads of Government meeting was held in Moscow, Russia, in November 2025, when India was represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Singh's visit combines India's participation in the SCO meeting with efforts to strengthen defence cooperation with Tajikistan, particularly in capacity building and training.
With PTI Inputs
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