India Participates in SCO Coordinators’ Meeting in Pakistan Amid Regional Security Focus
India is participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of National Coordinators meeting being held in Islamabad from September 28 to 30, 2026. The meeting brings together officials from SCO member states to discuss the organisation’s upcoming programme of activities and coordinate preparations for various ministerial and working-level meetings.
India’s participation is part of its continued engagement with the SCO, of which it has been a full member since 2017. The Indian delegation is being represented by Joint Secretary Alok Dimri. The meeting provides India with an important multilateral platform to engage with Russia, Central Asian countries, China and other SCO members on issues affecting the wider Eurasian region.
Focus on the SCO’s Upcoming Activities
The Council of National Coordinators plays an important role in coordinating the SCO’s activities and preparing the groundwork for meetings at higher levels. Discussions in Islamabad are expected to cover the organisation’s calendar of events, meetings of specialised bodies and preparations for the next SCO summit.
The current meeting is particularly relevant as it begins the cycle of activities leading towards the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit scheduled to be held in 2027. India’s participation allows New Delhi to remain engaged in the organisation’s decision-making and working mechanisms while advancing issues of importance to its national and regional interests.
Counterterrorism Remains a Key Concern
Security and counterterrorism remain central areas of cooperation within the SCO framework. India has consistently stressed the need for stronger international cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism and has advocated a firm approach against those responsible for supporting or facilitating terrorist activities.
The SCO’s security mechanisms provide a platform for member states to exchange information and cooperate on counterterrorism and other transnational security challenges. India’s participation in these mechanisms is significant given the continuing security challenges affecting the wider region.
Connectivity and Economic Cooperation
Apart from security, the SCO agenda includes economic cooperation, connectivity, energy, technology and people-to-people exchanges. India has supported greater regional connectivity while maintaining that such projects should respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The organisation also gives India an avenue to strengthen its engagement with Central Asia. India has longstanding civilisational, economic and strategic interests in the region and has been expanding cooperation with Central Asian countries across areas including trade, energy, digital technology, education and connectivity.
India’s Independent Multilateral Engagement
India’s participation in the meeting also highlights its continued approach of engaging through multilateral institutions even when relations between individual member countries remain complicated. The SCO includes countries with different political systems, strategic interests and bilateral relationships, making it a forum where India can pursue cooperation on issues of common concern while maintaining its independent positions on matters of national interest.
For New Delhi, participation in the SCO is therefore not limited to bilateral considerations. It provides an opportunity to engage directly with major Eurasian powers and Central Asian partners and to contribute to discussions on regional security, economic cooperation and connectivity.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Summit
The discussions among national coordinators will help establish the schedule and priorities for the SCO’s activities over the coming months. These preparations will eventually lead to the 2027 Council of Heads of State Summit.
India’s continued participation ensures that its views remain represented across the organisation’s institutional processes. As the SCO expands its focus beyond traditional security issues, New Delhi can use the platform to advance cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, economic relations, technology and regional connectivity.
The MGMM Outlook
India’s participation in the SCO Council of National Coordinators meeting in Islamabad reflects its continued and constructive engagement with important Eurasian multilateral platforms. The meeting provides an opportunity to coordinate the organisation’s upcoming activities while keeping India actively involved in discussions on regional security, counterterrorism, connectivity and economic cooperation. India’s presence also ensures that its perspectives remain represented as the SCO prepares for its 2027 summit and future areas of cooperation.
The SCO offers India an important channel to engage with Central Asian countries, Russia, China and other member states on issues of shared regional importance. Continued participation allows India to strengthen its relationships across Eurasia while maintaining its independent positions on matters of national interest. With security, technology, energy, trade and connectivity increasingly shaping regional cooperation, India’s active role in the organisation can contribute to broader engagement and advance practical cooperation in areas that matter to the region.
(Sources: Moneycontrol, News18, Times of India)
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