Pakistan Invites PM Modi to Attend SCO Summit in October

Pakistan has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting scheduled for October 15-16, according to Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch. Speaking during a weekly press briefing, Baloch confirmed that invitations have been dispatched to all SCO member countries, including India.

Baloch mentioned that some nations have already confirmed their participation, though specifics will be disclosed at a later date. The SCO summit will also feature a ministerial meeting along with multiple senior officials’ discussions focused on financial, economic, socio-cultural, and humanitarian collaboration among member states.

Relations between Islamabad and New Delhi remain strained, largely due to the Kashmir conflict and cross-border terrorism. India has consistently expressed its willingness to maintain normal relations with Pakistan, contingent on Islamabad creating an environment free from terror and hostility.

Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic ties with India after the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, a move that Pakistan views as detrimental to dialogue between the two nations.

The SCO, consisting of eight member countries including China, Russia, and several Central Asian states, is a significant economic and security alliance, increasingly recognized as one of the most influential transregional organizations.