Islamabad: Pakistan has officially invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad, scheduled for October 15-16, 2024. This marks a notable diplomatic move, as it’s the first invitation extended to Modi by Pakistan in eight years, underlining Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s efforts to engage in regional diplomacy.
However, given the current tensions between Pakistan and India, there is uncertainty about whether Modi will attend in person. Diplomatic sources suggest that he may opt for virtual participation. The last significant summit Modi was invited to was the 2016 South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meeting, which was ultimately boycotted by India.
The SCO, which includes influential members such as China, Russia, and India, is focused on regional security and economic collaboration. The summit in Islamabad represents a critical opportunity for dialogue and potential diplomatic engagement. It aims to address shared regional challenges and promote cooperation among member states, despite past conflicts.
