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The recent visit of Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar to Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting signifies a potential shift in the long-strained India-Pakistan relationship. This high-level visit, the first in nine years, breaks the ice of political estrangement that has defined the two nations' interactions in recent times. While the visit didn't address longstanding bilateral issues, the absence of acrimonious exchanges, a stark contrast to the SCO meeting in Goa earlier this year, hints at a cautiously positive atmosphere.
The visit garnered attention due to the suggestion of reviving cricketing ties, a potential bridge for people-to-people contact. While these reports were later denied, the idea underscores the symbolic power of sport in bridging political divides. Both sides maintain a cautious approach, emphasizing the informal nature of the discussions, suggesting a reluctance to stoke premature optimism. The cautiousness is understandable, given the history of failed attempts at reconciliation, most notably the Lahore Accord of 1999, which was overshadowed by the Kargil War.
The article acknowledges past efforts by PM Narendra Modi to improve ties with Pakistan, including his 2015 visit to Lahore, which ultimately yielded no substantive progress. The deep-rooted distrust, exacerbated by incidents like the Pulwama attack and the Balakot air strike, continues to cast a long shadow. The article highlights India's consistent criticism of Pakistan's support for jihadi terror groups, emphasizing the need for concrete actions to foster genuine peace. The SCO meeting in Islamabad provided a platform for Jaishankar to emphasize the shared challenge of combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, though a cohesive approach remains elusive due to Pakistan's continued support for these groups and China's ambivalent stance.
The article concludes on a cautiously optimistic note, recognizing the potential for a lasting thaw in the relationship. However, it emphasizes the need for a decisive response from the Islamabad-Rawalpindi power brokers, acknowledging the hurdles posed by vested interests opposed to reconciliation. Ultimately, the article highlights the complex dynamics at play and the enduring challenge of overcoming the historical baggage that has plagued the India-Pakistan relationship. The meeting between Jaishankar and Dar, despite its informal nature, is viewed as a potential first step in a long and arduous journey towards a more stable and cooperative future.
Source: Jaishankar in Islamabad: A silver lining in the dark cloud of bilateral relations