Pakistan to Invite Indian PM Modi to SCO Summit Amid Speculations
As Pakistan prepares to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in October 2024, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India would indeed be invited. The announcement comes amidst speculation and reports suggesting that Modi might skip the summit, which would mark a rare high-profile visit between the two nations, given their historically strained relations.
Invitation Confirmed Despite Speculations
In an interview with a private news channel, Defence Minister Asif affirmed Pakistan’s intention to invite all SCO member states, including India. He stressed that as the host nation, Pakistan has no option but to invite all member states, stating, “Yes, certainly there should be no doubt about it.” He also referenced India’s invitation to then-foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari during the July 2023 SCO meeting in Delhi, emphasizing that not extending an invitation would be inappropriate and against the SCO’s principles.
India’s Response to Speculative Reports
A day prior to Asif’s statement, the Indian government had issued a clarification through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), denying reports that PM Modi had decided not to attend the SCO summit in Pakistan. The MEA urged media outlets to avoid speculative reporting, emphasizing that no official decision regarding Modi’s participation had been made.
The Importance of the SCO for India
The SCO, led by Russia and China, plays a significant role in regional security and cooperation for India, particularly concerning Central Asian countries. Despite its complex relations with China, India considers the SCO a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration. However, India’s consistent refusal to endorse China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) remains a point of contention within the organisation.
Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project
In the same interview, Asif addressed reports of Iran’s intention to move an arbitration court against Pakistan over delays in the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project. The Defence Minister expressed support for completing the project, citing its economic benefits to Pakistan. He underscored the importance of maintaining strong economic ties with neighboring countries like Iran, particularly in the energy sector.