Rajnath Singh's strategic diplomacy at SCO summit
India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was in Qingdao, China, for the big SCO Defense Ministers's Meeting.
There, he met with leaders from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Tajikistan, including a meeting with the Tajikistan Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Sobrizoda Emomali Abdurakhim, to talk about keeping borders peaceful and boosting defense partnerships.
He also brought a bit of India with him—gifting a Madhubani painting to China and a Lord Nataraj idol to Russia.
India's role in regional security
These meetings highlight India's growing role in regional security.
Singh's talks helped restart military communication with China—a key move after recent border tensions—and aimed to speed up important defense deals with Russia (like S-400 systems).
By connecting with Central Asian countries too, India is working to build trust and keep the region more stable.
For young people watching global affairs, it's another sign of how diplomacy (and even cultural gifts) can help shape international relationships.