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The upcoming visit of India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave has sparked considerable attention, particularly concerning the potential for bilateral talks between India and Pakistan. However, Jaishankar has categorically stated that his visit will be solely for the multilateral event, emphasizing that he will not be engaging in discussions about India-Pakistan relations. This stance reflects the ongoing tension between the two nations, rooted in India's accusations of Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism.
Jaishankar, while affirming his commitment to being a responsible member of the SCO, also took a veiled dig at Pakistan, directly linking it to the stagnation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). He asserted that the lack of progress in SAARC is attributable to Pakistan's ongoing support for cross-border terrorism, citing that such actions are unacceptable and impede the organization's functioning. India maintains that it will not engage in bilateral discussions with Pakistan until the latter effectively addresses the issue of cross-border terrorism.
The minister's visit to Pakistan, marking the first such visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister in nearly nine years, is significant given the historically strained relations between the two countries. It underscores the complexities of the regional landscape and the challenges in fostering cooperation amidst ongoing security concerns. India's strong stance against Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism remains a central factor in shaping bilateral relations and influencing the trajectory of regional initiatives.
The SCO meeting, hosted by Pakistan in October, provides a platform for discussions on a range of issues, including security, economic cooperation, and regional stability. India's participation in the conclave, while not necessarily facilitating bilateral talks with Pakistan, highlights the importance of engaging in multilateral dialogues to address shared challenges and foster regional cooperation.
Source: 'Will behave accordingly...': S Jaishankar rules out India-Pakistan talks at SCO