The draw for the 2026 SAFF Championship places defending champions India in a group with Pakistan and Maldives. According to reports, India—who enter the tournament as title holders—are grouped alongside regional rivals Pakistan and the Maldives in the group stage. Maldives are also reported to be assigned to Group B, with the same confirmed opponents listed as India and Pakistan. The coverage across outlets indicates that the draw format results in India facing both Pakistan and the Maldives during the group stage, with these matchups forming the core of the group. Other details such as the full group composition of each team, match schedule, and additional qualifying teams are not included in the provided excerpts. Both sources agree on the key outcome: the 2026 SAFF Championship group-stage draw pairs India with Pakistan and Maldives, with Maldives specifically noted in Group B.