India has sent formal invitations to all ten SCO member states for the Civilisational Dialogue Forum scheduled for Nov. 20‑22 in New Delhi, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s office. The invitation extended to Pakistan’s Minister for National Heritage Aurangzeb Khichi, but Islamabad has yet to confirm his attendance, sources told Times Now.
The move comes amid tense India‑Pakistan relations after Operation Sindoor in 2023, when Indian forces crossed the Line of Control. The last Pakistani minister to visit India was Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Goa for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting that same year.
Scheduled at the historic Purana Qila, the forum will host delegations from Russia, China, Iran and Central Asian states, as well as 15 dialogue partners and observers. The agenda will focus on cultural exchange and civilisational ties, aiming to deepen mutual understanding across the SCO.
Pakistan’s confirmation is expected before the end of this month, after which the Indian Ministry of External Affairs will coordinate logistics. The forum’s outcome could set the tone for future SCO engagements ahead of the upcoming council of heads of government meeting in Tajikistan.