 |
|
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's upcoming visit to Pakistan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) summit marks a significant moment in the often strained relationship between the two neighboring nations. This visit, scheduled for October 15th and 16th in Islamabad, will be the first by an Indian foreign minister in nearly a decade, underscoring a potential shift in diplomatic engagement despite ongoing tensions.
The SCO, a regional organization focused on economic and security cooperation, serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among its member states, including India and Pakistan. While the summit primarily focuses on trade and economic matters, Jaishankar's participation signifies India's commitment to the organization's goals, even amidst the complex bilateral issues between India and Pakistan.
The visit comes against the backdrop of a long-standing dispute between the two nations, primarily centered around the Kashmir region and accusations of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Despite this, both countries have officially ruled out any bilateral talks between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, on the sidelines of the summit. Nevertheless, they are expected to engage in formal courtesies, highlighting a cautious step towards diplomatic engagement.
Jaishankar's trip underscores India's strategic approach to the SCO, prioritizing multilateral cooperation while navigating the sensitive bilateral relationship with Pakistan. The decision to send the senior minister signals India's willingness to engage within the SCO framework, even as it maintains its position on the need for Pakistan to create an environment free of terrorism and hostility for sustainable bilateral relations.
Source: We remained actively engaged in SCO format: India ahead of Jaishankar's Islamabad visit