Pakistan Invites India’s Commerce Minister for SCO Trade Meeting in Islamabad

Pakistan has officially extended an invitation to India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, to attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Islamabad. The meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2024, and will bring together trade and economic ministers from SCO member states to discuss strategies for enhancing regional cooperation.

Sources within the government confirmed that the invitation was delivered to Minister Goyal through diplomatic channels. The SCO Trade Ministers’ Meeting is a significant precursor to the main SCO government summit, which is set to take place in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024. During the trade ministers’ meeting, participants will deliberate on proposals related to trade and economic collaboration, which will later be presented at the government summit for approval.

This invitation follows the protocol established by the SCO, and it is part of a broader diplomatic effort by Pakistan. Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended invitations to all heads of governments from SCO member states, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, there has been no official confirmation or response from India regarding these invitations.

Indian media has speculated that Prime Minister Modi may skip the summit in Islamabad, adding a layer of uncertainty to the upcoming event. The possibility of India’s participation—or lack thereof—raises questions about the future of Indo-Pak relations within the SCO framework.

The invitation to Minister Goyal represents a potential opportunity for the two neighboring countries to engage in constructive dialogue, despite their complex and often strained relationship. The upcoming meetings will be closely watched for any signs of diplomatic progress or further tension between the two nations.