India will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) first Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi from November 20 to 22, with Pakistan's Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurungzeb Khan Khichi, among those invited to attend, diplomatic sources said.
The gathering is expected to feature discussions on civilisational linkages, cultural diplomacy and collaborative initiatives in the fields of heritage, education and traditional knowledge systems.
Despite strained bilateral relations, India has continued to engage with Pakistan within the SCO framework.
With participation expected from a wide range of countries, the forum is being viewed as an important platform for dialogue under India's SCO engagement.