India will permit Pakistani athletes and teams to compete in international and multilateral competitions held on its soil, but the suspension of direct bilateral sporting engagements between the two nations remains unchanged.
Key updates from the Indian sports ministry include simplified visa procedures for Pakistani sportspersons and officials, as well as multi-entry visas for representatives of international sports governing bodies. The policy shift is partly driven by India’s ambition to host major global events such as the Olympic Games and Asian Games.
“Regarding international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we follow the practices of international sports bodies and consider the interests of our own athletes,” the ministry stated in a memorandum. “India’s emergence as a credible host for international sports events is also a relevant factor.”
India is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and has placed bids for the 2036 Olympics and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.
The two countries have experienced heightened military tensions in the past year. Cricket, the most popular sport in both nations, has remained frozen bilaterally since 2012–13, with teams meeting only at neutral venues. During the recent Twenty20 World Cup co-hosted by India, Pakistan played all matches—including a group-stage encounter against India—in Sri Lanka.
“As for bilateral sports events in each other’s country, Indian teams will not compete in Pakistan, nor will Pakistani teams be permitted to play in India,” the ministry added.