Pakistan athletes allowed in India for multilateral events; bilateral sports ban remains, per government circular

The Sports Ministry circular to National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association, the Sports Authority of India and other stakeholders states that bilateral ties with Pakistan will remain suspended. Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for bilateral competitions, and Pakistani teams will not be allowed to come to India for bilateral events. The circular creates an exemption for multilateral events in which both countries participate: Indian teams and players may take part in international tournaments that include Pakistan, and Pakistani teams and players may compete in multilateral tournaments hosted by India. The visa process for sportspersons, officials, technical personnel and office-bearers of international sports governing bodies will be simplified, with multi-entry visas for such officials for up to five years. Heads of international sports governing bodies will receive due protocol and courtesies during visits to India. The policy is framed to support India's hosting ambitions for major events such as the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.

The government first announced the policy position last year, in the context of a debate over India's participation in the Asia Cup in the UAE, where Pakistan was also part of the tournament. The stance followed the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, and marked the origin of the current policy framework on Pakistan in sports.