India has agreed to participate virtually in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Trade Ministers’ meeting, scheduled for Thursday in Islamabad. This decision comes as SCO member states continue their preparations for the high-level event, with senior officials engaged in discussions to finalize the meeting’s agenda. According to sources, these deliberations are expected to continue through the following day to ensure that all key issues are addressed and a comprehensive agenda is set.
The SCO is a vital regional organization that fosters cooperation among its member states, which include China, Russia, India, and Pakistan, among others. It serves as an essential platform for addressing regional challenges and promoting trade, security, and political collaboration.
On September 2, Pakistan formally extended an invitation to India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, to attend the SCO Trade Ministers’ Meeting. The invitation was conveyed through diplomatic channels, reflecting the organization’s protocol of involving all member states in such key gatherings.
A week earlier, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued formal invitations to the heads of government of all SCO member states, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was in line with the organization’s procedural requirements. However, reports from Indian media suggest that Modi is likely to skip the upcoming SCO Summit in Islamabad, further fueling speculation about the status of India-Pakistan relations within the broader regional context.
The ongoing preparations and discussions underscore the significance of the SCO as a platform for enhancing regional ties and addressing mutual concerns, particularly in trade and economic cooperation. Despite tensions between some member states, the organization continues to play a key role in promoting collaboration across Central and South Asia.
