A joint meeting of the heads of defence departments of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) countries was held in the Patriot Park near Moscow on Friday, September 4, 2020 under the leadership of the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, General of the Army Sergei Shoigu. The Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Russia, also attended the meeting.

"Today's meeting is the first meeting of this level in the history of our international contacts," said the Head of the Russian Military Department, opening the meeting.

Singh emphasised that peaceful, stable and secure region of SCO member states – which is home to over 40 per cent of global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each other’s interest and peaceful resolution of differences. While addressing the combined meeting of Defence Ministers of SCO, CSTO and CIS Member States in Moscow, he further added, "If I may borrow an idea articulated by our Prime Minister in a different context, our goal should be ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region’.”

Sergei Shoigu expressed confidence that international military cooperation will intensify after this meeting, and the results of the meeting will become a solid basis for deepening interaction between defence departments.

The Joint Meeting of the Defence Ministers of SCO, CIS and CSTO members has started in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/8sns85GMkK

— ????? ?????? ????????/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020

Russian Defence Minister also thanked his colleagues from the SCO, CIS and CSTO for the participation of the units in the Victory Parade, which took place on June 24 in Moscow, and also noted the high level of their preparation.

Sergei Shoigu expressed confidence that international military cooperation will intensify after this meeting, and the results of the meeting will become a solid basis for deepening interaction between defence departments.

“India’s participation in the Victory Parade on 24th June 2020 in Moscow was homage from India to the unparalleled contribution of Soviet people to free this world of Fascism, Nazism and their revanchist passion. Memory of the War teaches us of the follies of aggression of one State upon another, which brings destruction to all; our forefathers, including those from India & former Soviet Union, who made supreme sacrifices to resist aggression & expansionism from the then Military States,” stated Singh.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War as well as the formation of the United Nations, which underpins a peaceful world, where international laws and sovereignty of States are respected and States refrain from unilateral aggression on another: RM

— ????? ?????? ????????/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020

Referring to the threats faced by the world today, India’s Defence Minister stated, “We need institutional capacity to deal with both traditional and non-traditional threats – above all, terrorism, drug-trafficking and transnational crime. As you all are aware, India unequivocally condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations, and condemns its proponents. India values the works of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS). We laud RATS’ recent work in the cyber domain to prevent the spread of radicalism and extremism. The adoption of anti-terror measures by the SCO Council to counter extremist propaganda and de-radicalisation is a significant decision.”

September 3 is marked in Russia as Solidarity Against Terrorism Day. Learn about Russia-India cooperation in combating terrorism ?? pic.twitter.com/1qL17eCGsV

— Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) September 3, 2020

The head of the Russian military department emphasised that the place where the meeting is being held - the Patriot Park in Kubinka - was also not chosen by chance. Here, according to Sergei Shoigu, history and modernity are closely intertwined.

“The line of defense of Moscow passed here, where the Soviet troops stopped the enemy and achieved the first of major successes at the front. From here began the movement of our troops to the west and the liberation of peoples from fascism. In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Victory, practically by the whole world, by all the people, we have built the Main Cathedral of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Museum complex ‘Memory Road’", Shoigu told his colleagues.

The Defence Minister of India further reaffirmed India’s commitment to evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws. Singh also thanked Russian Federation for organising the annual anti-terror exercise ‘Peace Mission’, which has contributed to building trust and sharing of experience among Defence Forces.

Singh also expressed his deep concern about the situation in the Persian Gulf Region. He said, “India has vital interests and links of civilisation and culture with all States in the Gulf. We call upon countries in the region – all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of each other.”

I reaffirm today that India is committed to evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws: RM in Moscow

— ????? ?????? ????????/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020

Speaking about the situation in Afghanistan, he said, “Security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern. India will continue to support the efforts of the people and Government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process. The SCO contact group on Afghanistan is useful for exchanging notes among SCO member States."

The Defence Minister of India further reaffirmed India’s commitment to evolution of a global security architecture which will be open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based and anchored in international laws. Singh also thanked Russian Federation for organising the annual anti-terror exercise ‘Peace Mission’, which has contributed to building trust and sharing of experience among Defence Forces.

We are thankful to Russian Federation for organising the annual anti-terror exercise “Peace Mission”, which has contributed to building trust and sharing of experience among Defence Forces: RM Shri @rajnathsingh

— ????? ?????? ????????/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020

The SCO, seen as a counterweight to NATO, has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations which accounts for almost 44% of the world population stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the Indian Ocean and from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic Sea. The aim of the SCO is to maintain peace, stability and security of the region. India became a member of SCO in 2017.

The Defence Ministers of all eight SCO member nations deliberated on regional security challenges like terrorism and extremism and ways to deal with them “collectively” in Moscow. The Member States comprise China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu together with #SCO, CSTO & CIS Defence Ministers (including @RajnathSingh) visited Memory Lane Museum & the main temple of the Russian Armed Forces pic.twitter.com/q2LNrKSk3Y

— Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) September 4, 2020