The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has announced the organization of a ‘Civilizational Dialogue Forum’ aimed at fostering cultural ties, shared heritage, and mutual understanding among its member nations. The event is scheduled to take place in India from November 20 to 22 at the historic Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event, which will see the participation of representatives from over 25 countries, including the ten member states of the SCO. Discussions on civilization inherently encompass the spirit of magnanimity. India has consistently advocated for dialogue, even in the most challenging and seemingly intractable circumstances. For instance, India has repeatedly urged for a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue. Similarly, regarding the volatile situation between the United States and Iran—characterized by alternating periods of fragile ceasefires and intense conflict— India has advocated for a solution reached through dialogue. While the world generally listens to India with seriousness—and both the U.S. and Iran have acknowledged that India’s measured approach could potentially facilitate an agreement—no such resolution has been reached, and the cycle of violence continues. There are indications that, in an effort to secure their own positions, the political leaders involved might further escalate this deadly violence. In such a climate, the announcement of a ‘Civilizational Dialogue Forum’ is a meaningful initiative. If the participating nations arrive with a firm resolve to put an end to these violent agendas—committing to halt hostilities and establish peace—then the world, rather than appearing stained with blood, could emerge as a beautiful place for the next generation. India has also extended an invitation to Pakistan’s Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, to attend this event. The proposal for this major event was put forward by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Qingdao, China, last year; it has now been accepted by the SCO. Culture ministers from ten member nations—including China, Russia, Iran, Belarus, and various Central Asian countries—have been invited, as have representatives from 15 dialogue partners. Pakistan’s Aurangzeb Khan Khichi is among those invited. Extending an invitation to Pakistan is, undoubtedly, a magnanimous gesture in the realm of civilization and culture. However, Pakistan has yet to confirm its participation. Should the minister travel to India, it would mark the first visit by a Pakistani minister since the 2023 SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, which was attended by the then-Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto, in Goa. In the intervening period, the atmosphere has fluctuated significantly. Following a massacre by Pakistani terrorists in Pahalgam, ‘Operation Sindoor’ was launched in 2025. Relations have become so strained that Indian and Pakistani cricketers do not even shake hands during matches.
Invitation to Pakistan’s Culture Minister
