India has confirmed that it received an official invitation from Pakistan to attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, set to be held in Islamabad in October. Pakistan sent the invitation on Thursday, extending it to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The development is significant, given the strained relations between the two neighboring countries, which are driven by historical disputes, especially over Kashmir and issues of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
India Acknowledges Invitation but Remains Cautious
During a media briefing in New Delhi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that India had indeed received Pakistan’s invitation to attend the SCO meeting. “Yes, we have received an invitation from Pakistan for the SCO’s Council of Heads of State that is to happen. We do not have an update on that,” the spokesperson said in response to a reporter’s question.
The cautious response from India reflects its delicate approach toward Pakistan, given the longstanding tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. India’s hesitancy to confirm participation highlights the challenges in navigating regional diplomacy while ensuring that national interests are safeguarded.
Pakistan’s Hosting of the SCO Meeting Amidst Tensions
Pakistan, which currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG), is set to host the two-day in-person meeting on October 15-16 in Islamabad. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed the invitation during her weekly press briefing, adding that invitations had been extended to all SCO member states, including India.
However, it is crucial to note that while Pakistan has extended the invitation, its role as host does not erase the deep-rooted tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. Over the years, Pakistan has been criticized for its involvement in fostering terrorism, particularly in the Kashmir region, which has led to numerous security challenges for India. The invitation to the SCO summit, therefore, comes at a time when Pakistan’s credibility on the global stage is being questioned, especially in terms of its commitment to counterterrorism.
The SCO’s Significance in the Region
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an influential economic and security bloc that has emerged as one of the largest trans-regional international organizations. Founded in 2001 at a summit in Shanghai by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the SCO aims to promote cooperation in political, economic, and security matters among its member states.
India and Pakistan became permanent members of the SCO in 2017, further expanding the bloc’s reach in South Asia. Despite their membership in the same organization, the two countries have rarely seen eye-to-eye on key issues, particularly concerning security and counterterrorism. The SCO has served as a platform where India and Pakistan can engage in diplomatic dialogue, albeit within a multilateral framework.
At the recent SCO summit hosted virtually by India in July 2023, Iran was inducted as a permanent member, further enhancing the organization’s influence. The inclusion of Iran also added to the SCO’s strategic depth, as it brings a key regional player into the fold, which could potentially shift the balance of power in the region.
Pakistan’s Troubled Record on Terrorism
Despite its participation in international forums like the SCO, Pakistan’s track record on terrorism has been a major point of contention. India’s position on Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism remains firm, with New Delhi consistently raising concerns about Islamabad’s role in providing safe havens to terror groups that operate in the Kashmir region and beyond.
India has repeatedly called out Pakistan for its failure to take concrete action against terrorist organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which have been responsible for numerous attacks on Indian soil. The Pulwama attack in 2019, which claimed the lives of 40 Indian paramilitary personnel, was carried out by a suicide bomber from JeM, further straining Indo-Pak relations.
While Pakistan has often denied involvement in such incidents, international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have kept the country on its “grey list” for failing to comply with anti-terror financing regulations. This has further tarnished Pakistan’s image globally, and its hosting of the SCO meeting does little to absolve it of these serious allegations.
India’s Role in the SCO and Global Diplomacy
India, on the other hand, has taken a leadership role in the SCO, using the platform to promote regional stability and economic cooperation. At the 2023 virtual summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of connectivity, security, and regional cooperation, aligning with India’s broader foreign policy goals of fostering peaceful and prosperous relations with its neighbors, except Pakistan.
India’s participation in the SCO has been marked by a focus on counterterrorism, economic development, and multilateral cooperation. Despite the challenges posed by Pakistan’s actions, India has continued to engage with the SCO constructively, demonstrating its commitment to regional peace and stability.
The Way Forward for India and Pakistan
As the SCO meeting in Islamabad approaches, all eyes will be on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will accept the invitation and attend the summit in person. While attending the summit would provide an opportunity for diplomatic engagement, it also poses risks, given the strained relations between the two countries.
India is likely to weigh its options carefully, considering both the potential benefits and drawbacks of participating in the summit. On the one hand, attending the meeting could signal India’s willingness to engage in regional diplomacy, even with countries like Pakistan. On the other hand, any engagement with Pakistan must be balanced against the backdrop of its continued involvement in cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan’s Challenge to Earn Global Trust
Pakistan’s hosting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting presents an opportunity for Islamabad to project itself as a responsible regional player. However, its troubled history with terrorism, lack of concrete action against terror groups, and strained relations with India continue to cast a shadow over its credibility.
India, as a key member of the SCO and a regional leader, will undoubtedly approach the invitation with caution. Any decision to participate in the summit will be guided by India’s national interests, particularly its focus on counterterrorism and regional security. Pakistan, on the other hand, must recognize that mere participation in multilateral forums is not enough to earn global trust. It must take meaningful steps to address the issues of terrorism and cross-border violence if it hopes to play a constructive role in regional and global affairs.
The SCO summit in Islamabad will undoubtedly be a key moment in South Asian diplomacy, and the world will be watching closely to see how both India and Pakistan navigate this delicate situation.
