Sources are doubtful that Modi will visit Islamabad due to the current state of relations between Pakistan and India.
Pakistan Extends Invitation to Indian PM Narendra Modi for SCO Summit in Islamabad After Eight Years
Pakistan has officially invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, set to take place in Islamabad in mid-October. This marks the first time in eight years that an Indian leader has been extended such an invitation. The formal invitation was confirmed by official sources on Sunday, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally inviting Modi and other SCO leaders to the regional summit scheduled for October 15 and 16, 2024.
This invitation represents a significant diplomatic gesture, reflecting Pakistan’s efforts to re-engage with India amidst ongoing regional tensions. The last time Modi was invited to a regional summit was in 2016 for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, which was ultimately boycotted by India. Since then, SAARC has struggled with dysfunction, and the proposed summit never materialized.
The prospect of Modi attending the SCO summit in Islamabad presents a complex diplomatic challenge. Given the current strained relations between Pakistan and India, many sources are skeptical about the likelihood of Modi traveling to Islamabad in person. Diplomatic experts suggest that Modi might opt to join the summit virtually, given the delicate state of bilateral relations.
The SCO summit offers a platform for regional leaders to address key issues and foster cooperation across a range of areas, including security, economic development, and regional integration. Despite the potential for Modi to participate virtually, the presence of other powerful SCO members, including China and Russia, adds a layer of complexity to the diplomatic equation.
Historically, regional groupings like the SCO have provided opportunities for dialogue and potential normalization of ties between neighboring countries. However, the current geopolitical climate and the significant differences in the positions of Pakistan and India on various issues make a rapprochement seem unlikely at this time.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, founded in 2001, includes China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan as its original members. It has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, and Iran as full members, with Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia as observer states, along with several other countries participating as dialogue partners. The SCO is often viewed as a counterbalance to Western alliances such as NATO and plays a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation.
In recent years, the SCO has been pivotal in addressing regional security concerns, including combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism. The organization conducts joint military exercises and engages in intelligence sharing among member states to bolster collective security. Additionally, the SCO promotes economic cooperation through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to enhance trade, energy partnerships, and infrastructure development across Eurasia.
The SCO also serves as a forum for member states to align on major international issues, advocating for a multipolar world order and challenging Western dominance in global affairs. The 23rd SCO Summit, held on July 4, 2023, was hosted by India via video conference, marking a shift from the traditional in-person meetings. The decision to host the summit virtually was influenced by ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan, highlighting the complex dynamics at play within the organization.
Pakistan’s invitation to Modi is a strategic move aimed at strengthening its engagement with the SCO and underscoring its role in regional diplomacy. The summit in Islamabad provides an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its commitment to regional cooperation and address key issues with other SCO member states.
As the summit approaches, the international community will be closely watching the developments surrounding Modi’s participation and the broader implications for regional relations. The outcome of the summit could influence future diplomatic interactions and shape the trajectory of regional cooperation within the SCO framework.