Often such steps are taken in Pakistan’s politics which are not only funny but also show their helplessness. This time Pakistan has talked about inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This invitation came at a time when relations between India and Pakistan are going through a very tense phase.Recent media reports suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Pakistan, a claim the Indian government has strongly denied. The speculation came after Pakistan extended an invitation to PM Modi and other leaders for the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting scheduled to be held on October 15-16, 2024. The event is important, especially given the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
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Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Reacting to these reports, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a clarification urging media outlets to refrain from speculating on the matter. A MEA official said that we have observed that several outlets are running reports that the PM will not attend the SCO meeting in Pakistan or that the Foreign Minister will attend the SCO meeting in Pakistan. He further said that the MEA has no comment on the matter and would request that speculative news in this regard be avoided.
A period of hostility and limited cooperation in relations
Relations between India and Pakistan have seen periods of hostility and limited cooperation. Tensions have been heightened in recent months due to increased terrorist infiltration in Kashmir, which India attributes to Pakistan’s continued support for extremist groups. Prime Minister Modi has been vocal about his stance on Pakistan’s role in promoting proxy war. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas in July, PM Modi strongly criticised Pakistan and said that the Indian Army would crush any nefarious designs aimed at destabilising the region.
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Strategic importance of SCO
The Russia and China-led SCO is an important multilateral forum for India, primarily for regional security and cooperation with Central Asian countries. Despite its cautious approach towards China’s influence within the organisation, India sees the SCO as an essential platform to engage with these countries. Unlike other member countries, India has consistently refused to support China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been a point of contention in SCO joint statements.