Afghanistan excluded from SCO summit, misses out on trade and security opportunities

The two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Moscow concluded with Afghanistan largely absent from key discussions, leaving the country at risk of missing vital security and economic opportunities.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, stressed that “stability in Afghanistan is vital for regional peace and security,” highlighting that sustainable economic development cannot be achieved without lasting peace in the country.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the role of humanitarian, cultural, and economic cooperation among SCO members. He cited India’s rapid response to recent earthquakes in Afghanistan—including the delivery of medical supplies, vaccines, and support for disaster-resilient infrastructure—as evidence of ongoing commitment to the country.

Despite Afghanistan’s status as an SCO observer, no representative from the Islamic Emirate was invited to the summit. Analysts warn that the absence could hinder Afghanistan’s access to regional security dialogue, trade partnerships, investment opportunities, and economic development initiatives.

Earlier, Russia had indicated that Afghanistan would be invited to all SCO-hosted events, but the reason for the government’s exclusion from the Moscow summit has not been clarified.

Observers say that Afghanistan’s continued exclusion from regional forums risks isolating the country at a time when collaboration on security and economic recovery is most needed.