<span style="color: #222222;">Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' conclave at Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan yesterday. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">During the conclave, ways to further boost defence and security cooperation among the member countries in the wake of evolving security challenges in the region were discussed.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">On the sidelines, Ms Sitharaman held bilateral meetings with her Chinese and Russian counterparts and Chief of General Staff of Kyrgyz Armed Forces. Key bilateral defence issues, including defence co-operation, were discussed.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">India became a full member of the SCO in 2017. India is keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure, which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.</span>