India to Host SCO Civilisational Dialogue with Pakistan Invited

The Cliff News | 28 October 2026

India is set to host the inaugural Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi from November 20 to 22. The nation has extended an invitation to all 10 member states, including Pakistan, aiming to foster greater cultural understanding and address shared regional challenges.

This significant event underscores India's commitment to multilateral engagement within the SCO framework and its efforts to build bridges across diverse cultural landscapes. The forum's primary objective is to strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding among member nations.

Inaugural Civilisational Dialogue Forum

The announcement of India hosting the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum was made earlier on October 20 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He emphasized that all member countries have been invited to participate in this initiative. The forum is envisioned as a platform to deepen the appreciation of the rich and varied civilizational heritage within the SCO region.

During an address at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Minister Singh highlighted the strong historical ties between India and Tajikistan, as well as its close relationships with Central Asian countries. He stated, “At the end of this year, India will host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum. We invite all SCO countries to participate in it.”

The Defence Minister also reflected on the SCO's 25-year journey, noting that leaders had reviewed the organization's accomplishments and discussed its future trajectory during the SCO Summit held in Bishkek. He added, "India gives great importance to our long-standing friendship with Tajikistan and our bond with Central Asian countries. During the SCO Summit in Bishkek, our leaders had outlined the 25 years of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. That occasion was about reviewing our shared journey as well as deliberating on the path to the future."

Combating Terrorism: A Collective Imperative

Minister Singh used his address to strongly advocate for a united and unwavering approach to combating terrorism, identifying it as a critical threat to peace and development across the region. He highlighted the devastating consequences of terrorism, stating, "Terrorism not only causes the loss of innocent lives but also disrupts investment and commerce. It radicalises society and deprives our youth of the opportunities they deserve."

He unequivocally called for an end to all forms of support for terrorism, emphasizing that double standards have no place in this fight. “There should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism, and no place for those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists. The entire ecosystem of terrorism must be firmly and collectively dismantled,” he declared. This stance reflects India's consistent position on the need for robust international cooperation against extremist elements.

SCO Membership and Pakistan's Engagement

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was present during the meeting where the invitation and discussions surrounding the Civilisational Dialogue Forum took place. This participation is noteworthy, given the broader geopolitical context and India-Pakistan relations.

In a related development, Pakistan formally assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026-2027 term on September 1, 2026, succeeding Kyrgyzstan after the SCO summit in Bishkek. This handover marks a significant period for Pakistan's leadership within the organization.

The SCO currently comprises 10 member states: Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India achieved full membership in the organization in 2017. Beyond its full members, the SCO also includes observer states such as Afghanistan and Mongolia, along with 15 dialogue partners, highlighting its expanding regional influence and diverse network.