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The recent visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Islamabad to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit marked a significant development in the often strained relationship between India and Pakistan. This was the first time in nearly nine years that an Indian foreign minister had travelled to Pakistan, a testament to the thawing of relations between the two neighbours, who have long been at odds over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
The summit provided a platform for Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, to engage in “casual” conversations, with one conversation even touching upon ways to improve India-Pakistan cricketing ties. The overall atmosphere was positive, with a senior Pakistani official describing Jaishankar's visit as an “ice breaker”. While the summit did not lead to any major breakthroughs, it served as a crucial step towards fostering dialogue and re-establishing communication between the two nations.
Despite the positive signs, both India and Pakistan were cautious in their public statements, avoiding direct confrontation on the contentious issue of Kashmir. Jaishankar, known for his sharp remarks, tempered his usual approach, focusing instead on the need for countries to respect territorial integrity while expanding trade relations, an indirect criticism of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan, for its part, did not directly engage on the Kashmir issue.
The summit served as a reminder of the complex and often-fraught relationship between India and Pakistan. While the visit of Jaishankar to Islamabad offers a glimmer of hope for improved relations, significant challenges remain. The issue of terrorism, which has poisoned relations for decades, will require a concerted and sustained effort from both sides to be resolved. The future of India-Pakistan relations hinges on both countries’ willingness to engage in genuine dialogue and address each other’s concerns with sincerity and commitment.
Source: Jaishankar attends SCO Summit in Islamabad: A new chapter in India-Pakistan relations | EXPLAINED