Pakistan has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting scheduled for October 15-16 in Islamabad. This invitation marks a significant diplomatic gesture as Pakistan takes over the chairmanship of the CHG, the SCO’s second-highest decision-making body.
The invitation to Prime Minister Modi comes amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Given the strained bilateral relations, it is considered unlikely that Modi will attend the meeting in Islamabad. According to The Times Of India, the current geopolitical climate and recent developments, including an increase in terror attacks in Jammu, may influence India’s decision regarding the invitation.
Last year, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented the country at the CHG meeting held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Prime Minister Modi, who has regularly participated in the SCO heads of state summits, did not attend this year’s summit in Kazakhstan due to a Parliament session. The SCO, which is led by Russia and China, plays a pivotal role in regional security and cooperation.
India remains cautious about China’s growing influence within the SCO framework. While Indian and Pakistani delegations have participated in SCO exercises and meetings, high-profile visits between the two nations remain infrequent. The ongoing tensions and Pakistan’s attempt to reverse India’s abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status further complicate the diplomatic landscape.
The relationship between India and Pakistan has been historically complex, with numerous diplomatic hurdles and conflicts. The last visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan occurred in 2015, highlighting the rare nature of high-level engagements between the two countries.
The SCO, comprising China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries, is crucial for regional security and economic cooperation. Despite the challenges in India-Pakistan relations, the SCO’s role in fostering dialogue and collaboration in areas such as counterterrorism and regional stability remains significant.
While Pakistan’s invitation to Prime Minister Modi signifies an attempt at diplomatic engagement, the likelihood of Modi’s attendance is uncertain due to the current state of India-Pakistan relations. As Pakistan assumes the chairmanship of the CHG, the international community will be watching closely to see how these dynamics influence the upcoming SCO meeting and broader regional cooperation.