Pakistan to Host SCO Summit in 2027 Amid Tensions with India
In a significant announcement, Pakistan revealed plans to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in August 2027. This declaration comes as an Indian delegation, led by a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs, participated in a preparatory meeting in Islamabad. This marks the first official visit from India to Pakistan since last year’s Operation Sindoor.
The three-day meeting of SCO National Coordinators started on September 29, 2026. This gathering follows a recent clash between India and Pakistan during a debate at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) over terrorism and the ongoing Kashmir issue. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanged accusations during their speeches, leading to responses from diplomats on both sides.
India also expressed its discontent on September 29, 2026, rejecting comments made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding Kashmir in his UNGA speech.
Alok Dimri, the Joint Secretary for Multilaterals and Economic Relations, represented India at the SCO meeting, showcasing a stronger Indian presence compared to previous meetings under Pakistan’s leadership. Earlier in September, Indian Charge d’affaires in Pakistan, Satyapal Pandey, attended an SCO meeting without an official delegation, indicating a shift in India’s approach.
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that the country’s SCO Chairmanship aims to promote the theme “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation, and Shared Prosperity” for the years 2026 to 2027.
An official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan highlighted that the National Coordinator meeting is vital for establishing groundwork for upcoming high-level engagements. This includes the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting, expected to take place in August 2027.
Indian officials clarified that the gathering of SCO coordinators was a multilateral event and did not hold special significance for India-Pakistan relations. Nonetheless, this participation keeps avenues open for higher-level attendance at future ministerial events. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to attend these meetings, but India has avoided participating in leaders’ meetings held in Delhi and Islamabad so far.
In 2023, PM Modi virtually hosted the SCO Heads of Council Summit, while External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto in person during the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Goa. Next year, Jaishankar will attend the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad. The Ministry of External Affairs has not confirmed whether Prime Minister Modi will visit Pakistan next year but has not dismissed the possibility either.
At a briefing on September 29, 2026, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to inquiries about India’s stance on Turkey’s potential induction into the SCO. Turkish President Erdogan recently stated that Türkiye intends to elevate its engagement with the SCO, moving from observer status to seek full membership.
Jaiswal noted that decisions regarding membership issues rest collectively with SCO members. He also condemned Erdogan’s recent remarks about Kashmir during the UNGA speech, reaffirming India’s stance on the region as a matter of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Published on September 29, 2026
