India to launch SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum by year-end

Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh declared India's commitment to organising the first Civilisational Dialogue Forum, positioning it as a platform for deepening engagement among the bloc's member nations.

The proposed forum represents a key initiative aimed at strengthening people-to-people connectivity within the SCO framework. During the 2025 SCO Summit of Heads of State in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed establishing the dialogue mechanism to facilitate the sharing of ancient civilisations' rich heritage, encompassing art, literature, and cultural traditions across a global platform.

Singh's announcement comes as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks 25 years of collaborative engagement among member states. The SCO, comprising eight member nations and several observer states, has evolved as a significant multilateral platform addressing regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange since its inception.

By hosting the inaugural Civilisational Dialogue Forum, India seeks to leverage the SCO's institutional framework to promote intercultural understanding and highlight the historical and contemporary significance of the region's diverse societies. The initiative reflects New Delhi's broader strategy of utilising multilateral forums to advance connectivity and mutual cooperation in South and Southeast Asia.