India's sports ministry announced that Pakistani players and teams can participate in multilateral events hosted by India, though bilateral competitions remain prohibited.
The ministry stated it will also simplify visa processes for sportspersons and officials, granting multi-entry visas to office bearers of international sports governing bodies.
"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 said in a memorandum.
This policy shift comes as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has bid for the 2036 Olympics and the 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad.
The two nuclear-armed neighbors, who last played a full bilateral cricket series in 2012-13, have largely met at neutral venues. A military conflict last year further strained relations.
"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.