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Pakistan PMO edits SCO photo, India condemns move

Published by YuToday Staff

0 views · 6 hours ago · 4:49 read · September 2, 2026

India has condemned Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office for digitally altering an official photograph from the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit by removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The cropping, which occurred ahead of the summit held in India, has drawn sharp criticism from Indian leaders, who described the act as an attempt to erase India’s presence from the global stage. The incident unfolded as global leaders gathered to discuss pressing issues, including regional security and terrorism.

Key takeaways

India has condemned Pakistan’s decision to digitally remove PM Modi from an official SCO summit photograph.
The move is seen as an attempt to undermine India’s global standing, drawing strong criticism from Indian leaders.
The SCO summit in India addressed regional security and terrorism, but the incident overshadowed key discussions.
The diplomatic row highlights persistent tensions between India and Pakistan, with potential implications for regional stability.

Why did Pakistan remove PM Modi from the SCO photo?

The digital alteration of the SCO summit photograph by Pakistan’s PMO has raised questions about the motives behind the move. While no official explanation has been provided, analysts suggest the action may reflect Pakistan’s long-standing diplomatic tensions with India. The SCO, a regional security bloc, includes both countries as members, and such symbolic gestures often carry deeper political implications. Indian leaders have dismissed the act as an attempt to undermine India’s stature, emphasizing that such manipulations cannot alter the country’s global standing or the popularity of its leadership. The incident has drawn comparisons to past diplomatic spats, where symbolic gestures were used to convey displeasure without direct confrontation.

India’s response: A strong rebuke to Pakistan’s move

Indian leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, have condemned Pakistan’s decision to crop PM Modi out of the SCO photo. Shinde described the act as a reflection of Pakistan’s insecurity and warned against such provocative actions. He invoked historical references, including Operation Sindoor, to underscore India’s resolve in countering such tactics. The criticism extended beyond domestic political circles, with calls for Pakistan to refrain from such symbolic gestures that escalate tensions. The Indian government has yet to issue an official statement, but the strong reaction from political leaders highlights the sensitivity of the issue.

SCO summit: Key discussions amid diplomatic tensions

The 26th SCO summit, held in India, served as a platform for global leaders to address critical issues such as regional security, terrorism, and economic cooperation. PM Modi emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts, particularly in West Asia, while urging member states to reject double standards in countering terrorism. The summit’s agenda included discussions on enhancing trade, combating extremism, and fostering cultural exchanges. However, the incident involving the altered photograph overshadowed these discussions, drawing attention to the underlying diplomatic tensions between member states. The SCO, which includes China, Russia, and Central Asian nations, has historically balanced competing interests while promoting regional stability.

Global reactions: Mixed responses to the diplomatic row

The cropping of PM Modi’s image from the SCO photo has elicited mixed reactions from the international community. While some nations have refrained from commenting, others have expressed concern over the escalation of diplomatic tensions. Analysts suggest that such symbolic acts, though seemingly minor, can have broader implications for regional stability. The incident has also sparked debates about the role of digital manipulation in diplomacy, with calls for greater transparency in official communications. The SCO, as a multilateral forum, faces the challenge of balancing the interests of its diverse member states while maintaining cohesion amid geopolitical rivalries.

Historical context: Past diplomatic spats between India and Pakistan

The latest incident is not an isolated event but part of a long history of diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Both countries have frequently engaged in symbolic gestures to convey displeasure, ranging from cancelling talks to altering official photographs. Such actions often reflect deeper political grievances, including disputes over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism. While these moves rarely escalate into direct conflict, they contribute to a climate of mistrust and hinder efforts at reconciliation. The SCO summit incident serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in managing bilateral relations amid broader geopolitical dynamics.

What’s next for India-Pakistan relations?

The diplomatic row over the altered SCO photo is likely to have short-term repercussions, with both countries closely monitoring each other’s responses. While India has taken a strong stance, the path forward remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that the incident could either prompt a cooling-off period or further strain relations, depending on how both sides navigate the fallout. The SCO, as a platform for dialogue, may play a role in de-escalating tensions, though its effectiveness in resolving bilateral disputes remains limited. For now, the focus remains on how India and Pakistan choose to address the issue, with the potential for both diplomatic and public reactions to shape the trajectory of their relationship.

What happens next

The coming days will be critical in determining how India and Pakistan address the fallout from the altered SCO photo. While India has taken a strong stance, the path forward remains uncertain. The international community will closely monitor the situation, with potential implications for regional stability. The SCO may serve as a platform for dialogue, but its ability to resolve bilateral disputes is limited. For now, the focus remains on how both countries choose to navigate the diplomatic row and its broader impact on their relationship.