Pakistan’s invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Islamabad has set the stage for a potential diplomatic showdown. While it is unlikely that Modi will attend the meeting, the invitation itself is a significant gesture, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation and multilateralism. The invitation also highlights a stark contrast between Pakistan’s diplomatic approach and India’s increasingly belligerent stance under Modi’s leadership. Pakistan has consistently shown its willingness to engage in dialogue, even in the face of repeated provocations from India. The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor and Pakistan’s participation in SCO meetings hosted by India, such as then-foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s visit to Goa last year, are examples of Pakistan’s efforts to keep channels of communication open. These actions reflect Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO Charter and to maintaining peace and stability in the region. However, India’s response has been anything but constructive.
Just a day after Pakistan confirmed that it had formally invited Modi to the SCO meeting, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar categorically declared that “the era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over", following it up with remarks about the status of Occupied Kashmir. Such statements are not surprising, given that India under Modi has consistently adopted a hawkish stance towards Pakistan. Since Modi’s rise to power, the BJP has leveraged anti-Pakistan rhetoric to bolster its domestic political agenda, often targeting Indian Muslims in the process. The normalization of Indo-Pak relations would undermine this narrative, making it difficult for Modi to sustain his divisive politics. Modi’s aggressive posturing towards Pakistan is not only counterproductive but also detrimental to India’s standing in the region. India’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue with Pakistan has alienated its neighbours and weakened its regional influence. In contrast, Pakistan’s approach has been measured and responsible, showcasing its commitment to peace despite India’s provocations.
The recent invitation to Modi is another example of Pakistan extending an olive branch, even as India continues to issue inflammatory statements. Modi’s claim in July that Pakistan is trying to stay relevant through “terrorism” and “proxy war” was rightly dismissed by Pakistan as belligerent and counterproductive. Such rhetoric only serves to escalate tensions and distract from the real issues at hand. While it would be ideal for the two nuclear-armed neighbours to mend their relations, this seems unlikely under Modi’s leadership. His approach is driven by domestic politics rather than a genuine desire for peace. However, India should be cautious of the path it is treading. By alienating its neighbours and refusing to engage in dialogue, India risks isolating itself in the region. If Modi continues on this trajectory, India may find itself increasingly isolated, with fewer allies and diminished influence on the global stage.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has shown that it is the responsible actor in this equation, committed to peace and regional stability. The international community should take note of the stark difference in approaches between the two countries. While Pakistan seeks dialogue and cooperation, India under Modi continues to stoke tensions and undermine the prospects for peace. If there is to be any hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing disputes between India and Pakistan, it is clear that the change must come from New Delhi.