Pakistan has confirmed that it will invite the Heads of State and Government of all Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries to the 2027 SCO Summit in Islamabad. The statement suggests that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also receive an invitation as India’s representative. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the host nation is obligated to invite every member state. The summit is expected to bring together leaders from across the SCO bloc. However, it remains uncertain whether India will accept the invitation.
Pakistan Says All SCO Member Nations Will Receive Invitations
During a media briefing, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry clarified that all SCO member countries would receive invitations at the appropriate level. Officials stated that Pakistan would extend invitations to every Head of State or Government without exception. The ministry emphasized that this is a standard responsibility of the host country. The announcement ended speculation about whether India would be included. It also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to following SCO protocols.
The ministry also responded to questions regarding a possible meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart during the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila. Officials said they had not received any request from India for such a meeting. They declined to comment further on the matter. The statement indicated that no bilateral engagement had been planned on the sidelines of the forum. Diplomatic interactions between the two countries remain limited.
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India-Pakistan Ties Remain Strained Ahead of the Summit
Relations between India and Pakistan continue to remain tense due to several longstanding disputes. Trade between the two countries remains suspended, while diplomatic engagement has stayed minimal. Border restrictions have also continued following Operation Sindoor, which India launched in May last year. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. These developments have further widened the gap between the two neighboring nations.
India and Pakistan have not resumed comprehensive bilateral talks since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which were carried out by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The attacks claimed 166 lives and led India to suspend the Composite Dialogue process. More recently, India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 after the Pahalgam terror attack. As preparations for the 2027 SCO Summit continue, the invitation may create a fresh diplomatic opportunity, although both countries still face significant political challenges.
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