PM Modi Receives SCO Summit Invitation From Pakistan Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been formally invited by Pakistan to attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled for October. This invitation is notable as Islamabad, which currently chairs the Council of Heads of Government (CHG), will host the meeting on October 15-16. Given the current diplomatic strains between India and Pakistan, it remains unlikely that Modi will personally visit Islamabad. The Indian government has yet to decide whether a minister will be sent in his place, a decision influenced by past practice and current circumstances.

Historically, India has typically sent a minister to represent the country at such meetings. For instance, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended last year’s CHG gathering in Bishkek. Despite this tradition, Modi’s absence from the recent summit in Kazakhstan—due to a scheduling conflict with a parliamentary session—raises questions about whether he will attend the October summit or delegate the responsibility to another official.

The prospect of virtual participation for leaders who cannot attend in person remains uncertain. Both India and Pakistan are full members of the SCO, an organization led by Russia and China, which India views as critical for regional security and collaboration with Central Asia. However, India remains cautious of China’s growing influence within the SCO, wary of the organization’s potential anti-Western bias. India has consistently avoided endorsing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and rejected a proposed economic strategy seen as favoring Chinese interests.

Despite ongoing bilateral tensions, the SCO has been a rare platform for India and Pakistan to engage. Indian delegations have participated in SCO exercises held in Pakistan, and former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited India last year for an SCO foreign ministers’ meeting in Goa. The SCO Charter, which prohibits the discussion of bilateral issues, facilitates this limited cooperation.

However, recent developments, including a series of terror attacks in Jammu attributed to Pakistan, add complexity to the situation. These attacks have reignited concerns and cast a shadow over the possibility of high-profile visits. As the Indian government considers its response to Pakistan’s invitation, the recent security incidents may influence the decision, making a visit by Modi or a senior minister less likely.

In summary, while the SCO summit presents an opportunity for dialogue, the current geopolitical climate and recent tensions pose significant challenges to India-Pakistan relations, affecting potential participation in the upcoming summit.