Pakistan Weighs Attendance at SCO Summit in India Amid Institutional Consultations

The government of Pakistan has confirmed that it is currently evaluating whether to send a delegation to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from November 20 to 22. This potential development regarding the Pakistan SCO summit has drawn significant attention as both nations navigate a complex diplomatic landscape.

During a weekly media briefing held on Friday, Sajjad Haider Khan, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, acknowledged that Islamabad had received a formal invitation from India. He noted that a definitive decision regarding the country's participation remains pending, as the leadership is currently engaged in institutional consultations to determine the best course of action. While the spokesperson did not confirm attendance, he notably refrained from dismissing the possibility of a Pakistani presence at the event.

Understanding the Pakistan SCO summit context

India extended invitations to all SCO member nations in late October, adhering to established diplomatic practices for the regional bloc. Reports indicate that the invitation was specifically directed to Pakistan’s National Heritage and Culture Minister, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi. The forum is being jointly organized by India's Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of External Affairs.

This invitation marks a notable moment in bilateral relations, as it is the first time since last year that New Delhi has invited a senior Pakistani minister to an event on Indian soil. The diplomatic climate between the two neighbors was severely impacted by the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Following that incident, India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The subsequent four-day military confrontation concluded with a ceasefire agreement on May 10.

Pakistan is conducting internal consultations to decide on attending the upcoming SCO forum hosted by India.

Participation in this forum is considered significant because India has consistently utilized the SCO platform to address concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. The regional grouping, which includes China, Russia, Iran, and several Central Asian states, has frequently been the stage for India to call for a united, non-discriminatory approach to dismantling global terror networks. During the September summit in Bishkek, India reiterated its stance that member nations must work collectively to eliminate the entire ecosystem of terrorism.

Why it matters

This potential engagement represents a rare opportunity for diplomatic dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad following a period of heightened military tension. For India, the event serves as a platform to reinforce its regional security priorities, while for Pakistan, the decision to attend or abstain will signal its current posture toward regional cooperation and bilateral engagement with India.