Pakistani players can compete in multilateral events, says India

India has said that athletes and teams from Pakistan will be allowed to take part in multilateral sporting events hosted in India, but bilateral competitions between the two countries remain off the table.

In a memorandum, India’s sports ministry stated that participation in international and multilateral events — whether held in India or elsewhere — would follow the practices of global sports bodies and consider the interests of its athletes. It added that India’s growing role as a host of major sporting events was an important factor.

The ministry added that visa procedures for sportspersons and officials would be eased, while office bearers of international sports governing organisations would be issued multi-entry visas.

However, it made clear that bilateral sporting ties would remain suspended. Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for competitions, and Pakistani teams will not be allowed to compete in India in bilateral formats.

The announcement comes as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 and has also submitted bids for the 2036 Summer Olympics and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.

Relations between Pakistan and India have remained strained following a military confrontation last year, with tensions spilling over into sporting engagements as well.