India Set to Host Inaugural SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi

New Delhi: India is gearing up to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) first-ever Civilisational Dialogue Forum, a landmark event scheduled to take place in the national capital from November 20 to 22. The three-day summit, to be held at the historic 16th-century Purana Quila, is set to become a focal point for cultural diplomacy across the Eurasian region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who first proposed this initiative during the SCO leaders’ summit in Tianjin in 2025, is expected to inaugurate the proceedings. The forum will bring together representatives from over 25 nations, underscoring a significant push to harmonize regional cultural ties.

Celebrating a Shared Heritage

Organised through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of External Affairs, the choice of Purana Quila as the venue is symbolic. By hosting the event at one of Delhi’s oldest structures, India aims to project its enduring historical and civilisational continuum to the international community.

The agenda for the forum is vast, covering critical discussions on civilisational linkages, the future of cultural diplomacy, and the establishment of collaborative networks in education, heritage preservation, and traditional knowledge systems. Officials have noted that the event serves as a platform to foster deeper people-to-people connections, allowing SCO member states and dialogue partners to explore the common threads that bind their varied cultures.

Diplomatic Significance and Attendance

The guest list is comprehensive, with culture ministers from all 10 SCO member states invited to participate. This includes senior representatives from Russia, China, the UAE, Iran, and Belarus.

Of particular interest to diplomatic circles is the invitation extended to Pakistan’s Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurungzeb Khan Khichi. While Islamabad has yet to confirm a representative, a positive response would mark a notable moment in bilateral relations. A visit by Minister Khichi would be the first of its kind by a Pakistani cabinet member since the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in Goa in 2023.

Despite the persistent chill in diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Islamabad, both nations have maintained engagement under the SCO umbrella. This pragmatic approach was recently evidenced in September 2026, when India dispatched its SCO National Coordinator, Alok Dimri, to Islamabad to discuss matters pertaining to Pakistan’s upcoming presidency of the group and the lead-up to the SCO leaders’ summit planned for August 2027.

Strengthening the SCO Framework

The Civilisational Dialogue Forum represents a shift toward “soft power” engagement within the SCO, which has traditionally been dominated by security and economic discussions. By placing cultural heritage at the forefront, India hopes to broaden the scope of the grouping.

For New Delhi, this forum is more than just a diplomatic gathering; it is a testament to the nation’s commitment to the SCO and its ambition to act as a bridge between the diverse historical narratives of its member states. As preparations at Purana Quila reach their final stages, the event stands as a significant milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to promote regional stability through cultural integration and mutual understanding.

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