Pakistan and India are only allowed to participate in multilateral sporting events hosted in the country, while bilateral sporting contests between the two nations will remain prohibited.
In a memorandum, India’s sports ministry said the country’s approach toward international and multilateral events will continue to follow the practices of global sports governing bodies and the interests of Indian athletes.
“With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons,” the ministry stated.
The ministry also announced that the visa process for athletes and sports officials will be simplified. In addition, office bearers of international sports governing bodies will be granted multi-entry visas.
India said its growing reputation as a host nation for major sporting events is also an important factor in the policy. The country is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has submitted bids for the 2036 Olympic Games and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.
Earlier this year, India co-hosted the 2026 T20 World Cup, but Pakistan played all of its matches in Sri Lanka, including its group-stage match against India.
Despite allowing Pakistani participation in multilateral competitions, India maintained its position on bilateral sporting ties.
“In so far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India,” the ministry added.
The announcement comes amid a long history of sporting rivalry shaped by the political relationship between India and Pakistan, with cricket often reflecting the state of ties between the two countries.