China, Kazakhstan, Iran, others confirm participation in SCO Civilisational Forum, says Gajendra Shekhawat
Interacting with the media at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi ahead of the event, Gajendra Shekhawat said he remained “hopeful” that Pakistan would also confirm its participation and attend the forum
The Union Culture Minister of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced on November 13, 2026, that China, Kazakhstan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum. The forum will be hosted at the historic Purana Quila in Delhi from November 20-22.
Mr. Shekhawat expressed hope that Pakistan would also confirm its participation in the event. The forum, to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20, will focus on civilizational and cultural expression, art and architecture, and language, literature and manuscripts among other themes. The SCO was established in 2001 by Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with India and Pakistan joining as permanent members in 2017 and Iran in 2023.
The SCO aims to strengthen mutual trust, promote multilateral interaction, and maintain peace, security, and stability in the region. Apart from its member countries, the SCO has 15 dialogue partner states, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Egypt, and Sri Lanka.
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