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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting on October 15-16. This visit marks a significant development in relations between the two countries, which have been strained for years. Jaishankar, however, has clarified that his visit is not for bilateral talks, but to participate in the SCO summit as a member of the bloc. He stated that while he expects media attention due to the nature of India-Pakistan relations, his primary focus will be on fulfilling his role within the SCO.
The SCO Summit is taking place in Islamabad, as Pakistan holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO CHG. India, a recent member of the SCO, will be represented by its External Affairs Minister, while Pakistan will likely be represented by its Prime Minister. Jaishankar's visit is notable for being the first by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan in nine years, with the last visit being Sushma Swaraj's attendance at the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan in 2015.
Despite the absence of bilateral talks on the agenda, Jaishankar stressed India's desire for a good relationship with Pakistan. However, he emphasized that this cannot be achieved while overlooking cross-border terrorism and indulging in wishful thinking. This statement reflects India's firm stance on the need for Pakistan to address the issue of cross-border terrorism before any meaningful progress can be made in bilateral relations.
The article further touches upon India's stance on other regional issues. Jaishankar stated that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been stalled due to Pakistan's ongoing support of cross-border terrorism, highlighting the need for a change in Pakistan's approach for the organization to function effectively. In terms of relations with China, Jaishankar noted that bilateral ties are at a crossroads, emphasizing the importance of respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and reinstating peace and tranquility in border areas for a positive dynamic between the two Asian giants.
Finally, Jaishankar expressed concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, highlighting the negative impact it is having on global stability and economic well-being. He underscored that conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East create instability and cause widespread problems, highlighting the need for global cooperation in addressing these challenges. The article concludes by emphasizing the global interconnectedness and the importance of finding solutions to conflicts for the benefit of the entire world.
Source: Going for multilateral event, not to discuss India-Pak ties: EAM Jaishankar