Major diplomatic initiative by India: 10 countries, including Pakistan, invited to the SCO’s civilizational dialogue forum
New Delhi. India has taken an important initiative towards strengthening cultural cooperation and diplomatic relations at the international level. India has invited all the 10 member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to participate in the ‘Civilizational Dialogue Forum’ being organized for the first time. This event will be organized from 20 to 22 November 2026 in the national capital New Delhi. The special thing is that India has also sent an invitation to the neighboring country Pakistan for this event. Despite the tense relations between the two countries, this decision of India is being considered important from the point of view of multilateral diplomacy. The main objective of the program is to strengthen cultural ties between member countries, share the heritage of ancient civilizations and promote mutual cooperation.
- Invitation to all SCO member countries including Pakistan
All the member countries of the organization including Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have been invited to this international event organized by India.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan’s National Heritage and Culture Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi has also been invited to attend the program. However, it has not yet been clarified from Pakistan side as to who will represent it and whether the minister himself will come to India or not.
Apart from SCO member countries, it is planned to include representatives of dialogue partners and observer countries in this event. According to reports, representatives from a total of more than 25 countries have been invited. With this, this event can emerge as a comprehensive cultural platform and not limited to just a regional conference.
- Prime Minister Modi had proposed Civilization Dialogue Forum
The launch of the Civilization Dialogue Forum was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the SCO summit held in Tianjin, China in September 2025. The objective of this proposal was not to be limited to only political, economic and security relations but also to give a new direction to cultural cooperation between the member countries.
After this, this initiative was taken forward at the organizational level. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh had announced during the SCO Heads of Government Council meeting held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on 20 October 2026 that India will host the first Civilization Dialogue Forum by the end of this year.
India wants to present the shared history, literature, art, traditions and cultural heritage at the international level through this platform. The event is likely to have a special emphasis on promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding among representatives of different countries.
- Invitation to Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, diplomatic stir intensifies
The most important aspect of this initiative of India is inviting Pakistan. Tension between the two countries had further increased due to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025 and India’s Operation Sindoor in May.
In such an environment, sending an invitation to a senior minister of Pakistan to visit India is an important development. However, Indian officials have clarified that the invitation is part of the multilateral program of the SCO and should not be seen as a signal of change in India-Pakistan bilateral relations.
Earlier in May 2023, the then Foreign Minister of Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had come to Goa to participate in the SCO Foreign Ministers meeting. At the same time, in October 2024, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had traveled to Islamabad to attend the SCO meeting.
According to experts, participation in regional organizations and bilateral relations are two different aspects. India can discharge multilateral responsibilities in international forums while maintaining its tough stance on the issue of terrorism.
- Delhi’s historic old fort can become the center of the event
According to media reports, the historic Purana Qila located in New Delhi can become the main center of this event. There is also a possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the conference. However, final organizing details of the event are yet to be formally confirmed.
The Old Fort is considered an important symbol of Indian history and cultural heritage. The gathering of representatives of different countries at such a historical place can give special importance to the civilizational objective of the event.
Through this platform, India will get the opportunity to present its ancient cultural traditions, historical heritage and diversity to the world. Besides, member countries will also get an opportunity to share their cultural identity, heritage and traditions.
This initiative can provide new opportunities for tourism, preservation of historical heritage and enhancing people-to-people contacts.
- Trust will increase between SCO countries through cultural cooperation
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization provides a common platform to major countries in Asia and Eurasia. Topics like security, regional stability, economic cooperation and connectivity have been discussed in the organization. Now efforts are being made to give more importance to cultural relations through Civilization Dialogue Forum.
India believes that shared cultural heritage and mutual understanding is also important for strong relations between different countries. The scope of cooperation between countries can be expanded through art, literature, history and cultural traditions.