Pakistan’s Bold Move: Will PM Modi Attend the Upcoming SCO Meeting in Islamabad?

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th August 2024

Pakistan has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting, scheduled for October 15-16 in Islamabad. This invitation, part of Pakistan’s responsibilities as the current holder of the rotating chairmanship of the SCO, has sparked significant speculation about whether PM Modi will make the trip, especially given the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.

While the invitation follows standard SCO protocol, which requires the host nation to invite all member states, including India, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding India’s response. Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at previous SCO heads of state summits has been consistent, but this year’s meeting in Kazakhstan was notably missed due to a scheduling conflict with the Indian Parliament.

Given the current strained relations between India and Pakistan, it is widely expected that PM Modi may choose to remain in India. The possibility of sending a representative, such as a senior minister, to attend the meeting on his behalf has been suggested, though the Indian government has yet to confirm any plans. In the past, India has been represented at the CHG meeting by ministers, with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar attending last year’s session in Bishkek.

The Indian government’s decision regarding this invitation is likely to be influenced by recent developments in the region. Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated due to a series of terror attacks in Jammu and ongoing disputes over the Kashmir region. These issues have severely strained bilateral relations, making India’s participation in the Islamabad meeting far from certain.

The SCO, an influential regional organization comprising eight member states, including China, Russia, and Central Asian countries, serves as a platform for fostering cooperation on various issues, including security, trade, and cultural exchange. India’s involvement in the SCO has been seen as a strategic move to enhance its regional influence and engage with other key players, including China and Russia. However, the deep-seated animosity between India and Pakistan often overshadows the potential for cooperation within this framework.

If PM Modi decides not to attend the meeting, it could be interpreted as a diplomatic snub, reflecting India’s frustration with Pakistan’s actions and its stance on terrorism. Conversely, sending a high-level representative could signal a willingness to engage in dialogue, albeit cautiously, within the multilateral setting of the SCO.

The outcome of this situation will be closely watched, as it may set the tone for future interactions between the two countries within international forums. Pakistan’s invitation is undoubtedly a bold move, but the ball is now in India’s court. Whether PM Modi attends, sends a delegate, or opts out altogether will send a strong message about India’s diplomatic strategy and its approach to handling its complex relationship with Pakistan.

As the SCO meeting date approaches, all eyes will be on New Delhi’s response. The decision will not only impact India-Pakistan relations but could also influence the dynamics within the broader SCO framework, where both countries play significant roles. The world waits to see how India will navigate this delicate diplomatic challenge.