In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan has formally invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled for mid-October 2024 in Islamabad. This marks the first invitation extended to an Indian leader in eight years, underscoring the importance of the summit amid ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended the invitation for the regional leaders’ meeting, set to take place on October 15-16, 2024. Despite the strained relations between India and Pakistan, the presence of other powerful nations at the SCO meeting may push Modi to consider participating, either in person or through a virtual platform.
The SCO, a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001, counts India, Pakistan, and Iran as full members, with Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia holding observer status. The organization plays a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation, addressing security challenges, and enhancing economic ties through initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Last year, Pakistan participated in all SCO meetings hosted by India, whether in person or virtually. However, India’s decision to hold the previous summit virtually was influenced by its tensions with China and Pakistan, a factor that continues to impact regional dynamics.
As the summit approaches, the potential attendance of Prime Minister Modi will be closely watched, as it could signal a shift in the diplomatic relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The SCO summit in Islamabad is expected to address critical regional issues, including security cooperation, economic integration, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in Eurasia.
