Pakistan, India show cordial ties at SCO meeting in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India displayed a cordial exchange during a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Islamabad, despite renewed tensions between the two countries at the United Nations General Assembly.

India’s SCO National Coordinator and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, Alok Dimri, warmly greeted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during a meeting of SCO national coordinators.

The interaction took place after the three-day meeting of the SCO Council of National Coordinators concluded in Islamabad. The participants met Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before wrapping up their discussions.

A video released by Pakistan’s Foreign Office showed Dimri shaking hands with Dar. The Indian official was later seen standing alongside Dar and Pakistan’s SCO National Coordinator Dr Muhammad Faisal.

The friendly exchange came shortly after Pakistan and India traded strong statements at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar criticised Pakistan during his address, while Islamabad rejected the allegations and defended its position on Kashmir and other bilateral disputes.

Dimri adopted a more positive tone during his visit to Pakistan. Speaking to state television, he said he was pleased to visit Islamabad for the first time and expressed interest in travelling to Lahore, Faisalabad and Sialkot.

He also welcomed Lahore’s designation as an SCO cultural city. He said the status could provide opportunities for Indian representatives to participate in cultural activities during Pakistan’s chairmanship.

The Indian official also highlighted the SCO’s focus on regional connectivity, trade, transit and economic development.

Pakistan assumed the SCO’s rotating chairmanship for 2026-27 on September 1. Its presidency is centred on the theme of connectivity, innovation and shared prosperity.

During the Islamabad meeting, national coordinators reviewed activities planned under Pakistan’s chairmanship. They also discussed preparations for upcoming SCO meetings and events.

The delegations visited the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium. They were briefed about preparations for an SCO hockey tournament scheduled for November 20 to December 2.

The engagement also carries significance ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of State summit that Pakistan is scheduled to host in August 2027.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible participation is expected to draw particular attention. New Delhi has not yet confirmed whether Modi will travel to Islamabad or what level of representation it will send.