Islamabad has officially invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Governments (CHG) meeting, set to take place in Islamabad on October 15 and 16. However, analysts suggest this invitation is more about following protocol rather than a strategic political move.
According to sources in Pakistan's Foreign Office, the invitation extended to PM Modi and other member states is a standard procedure. As the host nation, Pakistan is required to formally invite all member countries to the meeting. This step is a routine part of hosting international events and is not necessarily indicative of any broader political agenda.
Given the current state of India-Pakistan relations, it is considered unlikely that PM Modi will personally attend the meeting. Tensions between the two countries have been high since August 5, 2019, when India revoked Article 370, altering the status of Jammu and Kashmir. As a result, PM Modi may choose to send a ministerial delegation to represent India at the SCO gathering.
Historically, SCO CHG meetings have seen representation from Indian ministers rather than the Prime Minister himself. This pattern is expected to continue, with a ministerial delegation likely to attend in lieu of a direct visit by PM Modi.
Political analyst Kamran Yousaf emphasized that Pakistan's invitation should be viewed within the context of diplomatic protocol. "Extending invitations to PM Modi and other member states is a procedural requirement for the host country," Yousaf said. He added that while this gesture is part of standard practice, it is improbable that PM Modi will travel to Islamabad.
The analyst also pointed out that the Indian government has maintained a cautious stance on relations with Pakistan over the past decade, focusing on limited engagement and preferring to keep diplomatic initiatives on hold.
Outside of the SCO framework, the two nations have largely avoided direct engagement, often raising concerns and criticisms about each other. For instance, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited India last year only for the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting.
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