West Asia in focus as SCO Defence Ministers assemble in Bishkek

Defence minister Rajnath Singh will lead a high-level delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers' meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday, with current geopolitical developments and the situation in West Asia set to take centre stage.

Officials said measures to reduce the impact of the ongoing conflict are likely to be discussed. Importantly, Iran, a member of SCO, is likely to be represented at the summit.

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"The minister will highlight India's commitment to global peace amid prevailing security challenges, and underline India's consistent stance on zero tolerance for terrorism," officials said.

"SCO, one of the largest political and economic organisations in the region, may discuss steps to reduce the impact of the ongoing conflict," they added.

Officials said Singh is likely to hold bilateral talks with his counterparts.

"During the meeting, the defence ministers of various member countries will deliberate on a number of issues concerning defence and security in the region," the officials said.

SCO was established in 2001 in Shanghai, China. Its members include India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus.