Pakistan formally invites Indian PM Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, marking the first invitation to an Indian leader in eight years.

The invitation, extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, comes despite strained relations between the two nations. While Modi’s attendance is uncertain, skipping the meeting may be challenging due to the presence of other influential countries.

The SCO, a Eurasian alliance founded in 2001, aims to foster regional cooperation and counterbalance Western alliances like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Pakistan has consistently participated in SCO meetings, including those hosted by India.

In May 2023, Bilawal Bhutto attended the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Goa. Later, India extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the SCO summit in New Delhi, but unexpectedly switched to a virtual format, possibly due to escalating tensions with China and Pakistan.

The SCO plays a crucial role in addressing regional security threats, including terrorism, extremism, and separatism, through joint military exercises and intelligence sharing among member states

The summit will address regional security concerns, promote economic cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and provide a platform for member states to align on global issues, advocating for a multipolar world order