India has issued formal invitations to all 10 full member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO. The invite includes Pakistan too, to attend the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi.
The Civilisational Dialogue Forum is scheduled for November 20 to 22. More importantly the event marks India's first high level outreach to Pakistan following military skirmishes during Operation Sindoor back in May 2025.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi who is the National Heritage and Culture Minister of Pakistan received an official invitation on October 28th 2026.
The forum as a first of its kind will focuse on historical trade routes, ancient cultural links, and Eurasian connectivity. Read more about the date and time along with all the important SCO members participating in the event for general knowledge.
When and Where is the First SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum Held?
The inaugural forum will take place in New Delhi from November 20 to 22 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the event on October 20. He also outlined India’s goal to foster cross border cultural exchange.
The meeting convenes heritage heads and cultural ministers to discuss Buddhist heritage routes, archaeological preservation, and museum exchanges. Although Islamabad has not confirmed whether Khichi will travel to India or join via video link, diplomatic channels remain open.
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Key Feature
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Official Details
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Event Name
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First SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum
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Dates
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November 20 to 22, 2026
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Host City and Country
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New Delhi, India
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Pakistani Invitee
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Aurangzeb Khan Khichi
(Minister for National Heritage and Culture)
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Announced By
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (October 20, 2026)
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Complete SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum Schedule
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Date
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Session Time
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Program Agenda
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Nov 20, 2026
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09:30 – 13:00 IST
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Inaugural Plenary & Opening Remarks
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Nov 20, 2026
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14:30 – 17:30 IST
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Eurasian Trade Routes & Archaeological Links
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Nov 21, 2026
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10:00 – 13:00 IST
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Ministerial Dialogue on Shared Civilisations
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Nov 21, 2026
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14:30 – 17:00 IST
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Cross-Border Museum Collaboration
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Nov 22, 2026
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10:00 – 13:30 IST
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Adoption of the New Delhi Declaration & Closing
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Full List of 10 SCO Member Countries
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was founded in 2001 in Shanghai, China, by Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became full members together during the Astana Summit in 2017. Iran became the ninth full member in 2023. Then followed Belarus in 2024.
For current affairs and aptitude tests, the complete 10-member roster includes:
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Republic of Belarus
People's Republic of China
Republic of India
Islamic Republic of Iran
Republic of Kazakhstan
Kyrgyz Republic
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Russian Federation
Republic of Tajikistan
Republic of Uzbekistan
The grouping also retains Afghanistan and Mongolia as observer nations, alongside 15 official dialogue partners.
Why India’s Invite to Pakistan Carries Diplomatic Weight After Operation Sindoor
Direct bilateral visits between New Delhi and Islamabad have remained suspended since border skirmishes during Operation Sindoor in mid 2025. By inviting Pakistan under the SCO charter, India fulfills its multilateral obligations without altering its firm bilateral security stance. The upcoming New Delhi forum serves as an important test of diplomatic engagement across South and Central Asia.
Did You Know - Which Country Held the SCO Summit 2026?
The SCO Heads of State Summit 2026 was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan held the rotating chair for the Council of Heads of State.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Eurasian leaders attended the Bishkek summit to discuss regional connectivity, counter-terrorism, and local currency settlements.