India and Pakistan Join SCO Border Security Talks in Islamabad

Officials from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, including India and Pakistan, met in Islamabad on Friday to discuss border security and strengthen cooperation against emerging threats.

The meeting was the 12th Meeting of the Heads of Border Services of the Competent Authorities of the SCO member states, chaired by Pakistan. Delegates from Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan attended, along with officials from the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).

According to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office, participants exchanged information and assessments on the situation along the international borders of SCO member states, as well as trends and forecasts for future developments.

The delegates reviewed the outcome of Joint Border Operation Solidarity-2025, a coordinated exercise by border agencies of SCO countries, and approved its results. They also agreed on a roadmap for organising Joint Border Operation Solidarity-2026 and endorsed the 2027 work plan for the SCO group of border service experts.

Tajikistan's proposal to host Joint Border Operation Solidarity-2027 received support. The meeting also discussed possible dates and venues for the next heads of border services meeting.

Participating countries stated that regular information exchange and development of common strategies to address border security challenges would deepen cooperation among SCO members, while improving border security and mutual trust.