India to allow Pakistani athletes in multilateral events; bilateral sports still suspended

India has said it will permit Pakistani athletes to take part in multilateral sporting events held in the country, as New Delhi moves to strengthen its position as a global sporting destination.

However, the government has reiterated that bilateral sporting ties, including cricket with Pakistan, will remain suspended. The stance was outlined by the youth affairs and sports ministry in a document seen by AFP.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series for more than a decade, and sporting encounters between the two countries are now limited to international or regional tournaments. The two nations were also involved in a deadly conflict last year, further straining relations.

The ministry stated that Indian teams and individual athletes will continue to participate in international competitions that include Pakistan, in line with global sporting regulations and in the interest of Indian sportspersons.

It also confirmed that Pakistani athletes and teams will be allowed to compete in multilateral events hosted by India. In addition, visa procedures for athletes, officials, and media personnel are set to be simplified.

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In recent years, delays in visa approvals for Pakistani players have drawn criticism from international sporting bodies, which raised concerns about India’s compliance with host nation responsibilities.

The policy shift comes as India prepares to host major global sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games in 2030, and pursues bids for the 2036 Olympic Games and the 2038 Asian Games, reflecting its ambition to emerge as a leading sporting hub.