Pakistan has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which will be held in mid-October in Islamabad. This invitation is significant as it’s the first time in eight years that a Pakistani leader has asked an Indian leader to come to such an event.
The summit is planned for October 15-16, 2024, and will bring together leaders from different countries in the region. Although India and Pakistan have tense relations, there is hope that Modi might attend, either in person or through a virtual meeting, especially since other powerful countries will be there.
The SCO, which started in 2001, is a regional group that focuses on political, economic, and security cooperation across Eurasia. India, Pakistan, and Iran are full members, while countries like Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia are observers. The SCO helps its members work together on important issues like security and economic development, including projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Last year, Pakistan participated in all SCO meetings hosted by India, showing its commitment to the organization despite the difficult relationship between the two countries. India chose to hold the last summit online, likely because of its strained ties with Pakistan and China.
The upcoming summit in Islamabad is considered an important opportunity for talks and teamwork in the region. By inviting Modi, Pakistan is signaling that it recognizes India’s importance in tackling regional issues, even though their relationship is still challenging.
