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The announcement of Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in mid-October has sparked significant interest in the international community. This trip marks a pivotal moment in the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, with the last visit of an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan being in 2015. The SCO summit, to be held in Islamabad on October 15 and 16, provides a platform for high-level engagement between the two nations.
Jaishankar's visit, while primarily focused on the SCO summit, holds symbolic significance. It signifies a potential thaw in relations between the two countries, which have been marred by long-standing tensions over the Kashmir issue and acts of terrorism. While India insists on a terror-free environment for normalized relations, Pakistan's invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the SCO summit suggests an opening for dialogue.
The SCO, a prominent regional organization encompassing India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, plays a crucial role in promoting regional security cooperation and economic development. India's active participation in the SCO, including its chairmanship in 2022, underlines its commitment to this platform. The upcoming summit presents an opportunity for India and Pakistan to engage on a broader regional stage, potentially laying the groundwork for future bilateral dialogues.
The decision to send a senior minister to Pakistan underscores India's commitment to the SCO and its desire to maintain a stable and cooperative regional environment. The visit provides a platform for high-level engagement, signaling a potential shift in the trajectory of India-Pakistan relations. However, the success of the visit and its impact on bilateral ties will ultimately depend on both countries' willingness to address long-standing issues and their commitment to creating a conducive atmosphere for dialogue and cooperation.
Source: S Jaishankar To Travel To Pak, Last Foreign Minister Visit Was In 2015