New Delhi, Oct 28 – India has extended invitations to all members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), its dialogue partners, and one observer state for the SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from November 20 to 22, 2026.
This was confirmed by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing.
Responding to a query about Pakistan’s inclusion, Jaiswal clarified, “As per established practice, we have invited all SCO members, dialogue partners, and one observer.” This includes Pakistan, whose Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurungzeb Khan Khichi, has reportedly been invited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the three-day event at the historic 16th-century Purana Quila. This venue choice highlights India’s rich historical and cultural legacy. The forum, a joint effort by the Ministry of Culture and MEA, aims to foster discussions on civilisational linkages, cultural diplomacy, and collaborative initiatives in heritage and education.
This initiative stems from a proposal by Prime Minister Modi at the SCO leaders’ summit in Tianjin in 2025. While Pakistan has yet to confirm its representation, Minister Khichi’s attendance would mark a significant visit, following the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Goa in 2023. India continues to engage with Pakistan within the SCO framework despite ongoing bilateral complexities, underscoring the forum’s broader diplomatic significance.