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The upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad, scheduled to begin on October 14, 2024, presents a unique opportunity for India and Pakistan to potentially mend their fractured bilateral relationship. The event will see External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar become the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in almost a decade, a significant gesture that has sparked speculation and hope for a possible thaw in relations. Both countries have played down the possibility of a bilateral meeting, with Jaishankar stating his primary focus is the SCO meet and Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar reiterating that no such talks are being explored. However, the visit's significance transcends a mere participation in a regional summit.
The SCO meeting takes place against a backdrop of global instability marked by the ongoing war in West Asia and the persistent Russia-Ukraine conflict. These geopolitical events have raised concerns about their impact on the global economy, further intensifying the need for regional cooperation and dialogue. Jaishankar's visit also comes in the wake of the recent election in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a pivotal event that has signaled the closure of the Article 370 chapter in India-Pakistan relations. This development adds an extra layer of complexity and significance to Jaishankar's visit, as every interaction and statement will be scrutinized for signs of potential progress or setbacks in the bilateral relationship.
The article argues that this visit provides a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to demonstrate a genuine willingness to engage with India on a constructive path. The author emphasizes that Islamabad should dial down its rhetoric on the Kashmir issue and engage meaningfully with India, particularly on the issue of terrorism, a longstanding source of tension between the two countries. The focus should not be on Article 370, which India views as a settled issue, especially after the successful conduct of the recent J&K elections. The article further suggests that Pakistan's continued reliance on foreign aid, lack of economic reforms, and its history of supporting cross-border terrorism against Afghanistan and India have created a challenging situation for the country. China's use of Pakistan as a countervailing force against India's regional and global rise adds another layer of complexity to the dynamic. This dynamic underscores the importance for Pakistan to take proactive steps to improve bilateral relations, a move that is arguably more beneficial to Pakistan than India.
India's decision to accept the SCO invitation and send its foreign minister is seen as a clear sign of confidence-building. This move puts the onus on Pakistan to reciprocate positively. Jaishankar has stated India is ready to respond accordingly to any positive or negative gestures from Islamabad. The article concludes that the SCO meeting presents a unique opportunity for Pakistan to move away from its past practices and engage with India in a constructive manner. This requires a genuine commitment to dialogue and a willingness to address the key issues hindering their relationship, particularly the issue of terrorism. The outcome of this visit will be closely watched as a potential indicator of the future trajectory of India-Pakistan relations.
Source: India’s gesture, Pakistan’s turn