Delhi to Host First SCO Civilisational Dialogue with Pakistan's Minister
India prepares for the inaugural SCO Civilisational Dialogue, inviting Pakistan's Minister for Culture, marking a significant diplomatic engagement.
The SCO Civilisational Dialogue is scheduled for November 20-22 in Delhi.
Pakistan's Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurungzeb Khan Khichi, has been invited.
This marks the first ministerial visit from Pakistan to India since 2023.
India is set to host the inaugural Civilisational Dialogue Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) from November 20 to 22 in Delhi. This significant event will feature participation from ten member nations, including Pakistan, as confirmed by government sources. The dialogue was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the SCO leaders’ Summit in Tianjin last year and has since been adopted by the SCO Council.
The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of External Affairs are organizing the forum, which aims to foster cultural exchange and appreciation among member states. Pakistan's Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurungzeb Khan Khichi, has been invited to represent his country at this important gathering. The event will take place at the historic Purana Quila (Old Fort), a site rich in India's ancient history, dating back nearly 3,000 years.
While the invitation has been extended, Pakistan has yet to confirm the leadership of its delegation. If Khichi attends, it will be the first time since the 2023 SCO Foreign Ministers meeting that a Pakistani minister has visited India. This follows a period of heightened tensions, including a four-day conflict between the two nations in May 2025.
Historically, the Modi administration has refrained from participating in SAARC meetings in Islamabad due to ongoing disputes with Pakistan. However, India has engaged in SCO meetings previously, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate on regional security and cultural issues. In September, India sent its SCO National Coordinator to Islamabad for preparatory discussions regarding Pakistan's upcoming SCO Presidency.
The Civilisational Dialogue Forum aims to enhance mutual understanding of the shared cultural heritage among SCO countries. Each participating nation is expected to send a delegation led by its Culture Minister, along with additional representatives. The forum will feature thematic sessions covering various aspects of cultural heritage, including religion, art, literature, and living traditions, thereby promoting a deeper appreciation of the diverse cultures within the SCO framework.
