'Hopeful they will come': India on inviting Pak to SCO Civilisational Forum in Delhi
India has invited Pakistan to the inaugural SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi to foster cultural understanding. Despite strained bilateral relations, India remains hopeful that Pakistan will participate in the event, which focuses on shared heritage and UNESCO sites.
Why it matters
The invitation highlights India's attempt to maintain diplomatic engagement through multilateral platforms like the SCO despite ongoing geopolitical tensions with Pakistan.
NEW DELHI: India has invited Pakistan to the inaugural Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi from November 20 to 22, with Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat saying he remained hopeful that Islamabad would participate."I should be hopeful that they will come," Shekhawat said at a press conference while discussing the invitations sent to participating countries.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the inauguration of the forum on November 20, Shekhawat said.According to the minister, India sent invitations to 25 countries, including SCO member states, and 15 have confirmed their participation so far.
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