India Invites Pakistan to SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi After Operation Sindoor
India has invited Pakistan’s Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, to attend the inaugural Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from November 20 to 22, 2026. The invitation marks a notable development in regional engagement following the military tensions between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
The forum aims to promote cultural exchange, highlight shared historical connections and encourage dialogue among SCO member countries. India’s invitation to Pakistan comes as part of its broader effort to bring all members of the organisation together for a multilateral initiative, while its concerns about cross-border terrorism remain an important aspect of its security policy.
India Extends Invitation to All SCO Member Countries
India has invited all 10 members of the SCO to participate in the inaugural forum. The organisation comprises India, Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The gathering is expected to focus on civilisational heritage, cultural traditions, historical links and opportunities for greater cooperation among participating nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the initiative during the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Tianjin, China, in September 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh subsequently announced India’s plans to host the forum at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 20, 2026.
The initiative reflects India’s interest in using cultural diplomacy to strengthen regional engagement. By bringing representatives from different countries together, the forum could provide opportunities to discuss common traditions, preserve historical heritage and build a better understanding of the region’s diverse civilisations.
Invitation Comes Amid Strained India-Pakistan Relations
The invitation comes against the backdrop of difficult relations between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 and India's subsequent launch of Operation Sindoor in May. The developments significantly heightened tensions between the two neighbouring countries, with security and cross-border terrorism remaining central concerns for New Delhi.
Despite these challenges, both countries remain members of the SCO and participate in its multilateral framework. India’s invitation to Pakistan for the cultural forum is therefore part of a broader regional initiative and should not automatically be interpreted as a change in the two countries’ bilateral relationship.
Pakistan’s participation has not yet been confirmed. If Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attends, the visit would represent a notable diplomatic development, given the limited high-level engagement between the two countries in recent years.
India Reaffirms Its Stand Against Terrorism
India’s participation in multilateral forums continues alongside its emphasis on a firm international response to terrorism. At the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Rajnath Singh called for consistent action against terrorism and stressed that countries supporting, financing or providing safe havens to terrorist groups must be held accountable.
India has maintained that regional cooperation must be accompanied by a clear commitment to security and respect for national sovereignty. Its approach combines engagement through international institutions with the need to address threats that affect regional stability.
The upcoming forum is primarily focused on cultural dialogue, but its wider diplomatic context highlights the importance of maintaining communication between countries even when significant political and security differences persist.
SCO Provides a Platform for Regional Cooperation
Established in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has developed into an important platform for cooperation across Asia and Eurasia. Its activities cover areas including regional security, economic development, connectivity and cultural exchange. India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, expanding the organisation’s regional significance.
For India, the SCO offers an opportunity to engage with Central Asian countries and other major regional powers on shared interests. Hosting the Civilisational Dialogue Forum could further strengthen these connections while showcasing India’s historical heritage and cultural diversity.
The gathering also provides an opportunity to explore how cultural engagement can complement broader regional cooperation. Although such initiatives cannot resolve longstanding political disputes on their own, they can create avenues for dialogue and a better understanding of different societies.
The MGMM Outlook
India’s invitation to Pakistan’s Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, to attend the inaugural SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi from November 20 to 22, 2026, highlights India’s efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation. By inviting all 10 SCO member countries, India is creating a platform to promote shared historical heritage, cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The initiative comes amid strained India-Pakistan relations following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, demonstrating India’s willingness to engage through multilateral institutions while maintaining its firm stand against cross-border terrorism.
The forum offers an opportunity for India to showcase its rich civilisational heritage and deepen engagement with countries across Asia and Eurasia. Although cultural dialogue alone cannot resolve longstanding political and security differences, it can encourage communication and strengthen people-to-people connections. India’s approach reflects the importance of combining diplomatic engagement with national security priorities, ensuring that regional cooperation remains grounded in mutual respect, sovereignty and a clear commitment to combating terrorism.
(Sources: Firstpost, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times)
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