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The upcoming visit of India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit has sparked considerable attention. While the visit is primarily focused on the SCO meeting, Jaishankar has clarified that it is not an opportunity to engage in bilateral discussions on India-Pakistan relations. This article delves into the context of Jaishankar's visit, the nuances of the SCO, and the broader implications for the India-Pakistan relationship.
Jaishankar's trip to Islamabad is part of India's participation in the SCO summit, which will take place on October 15-16. The SCO, a regional intergovernmental organization, was founded in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Since then, India and Pakistan joined the organization, along with Iran, becoming the current nine member states. The SCO's primary focus is on promoting cooperation in areas such as security, economic development, and cultural exchange.
Jaishankar's decision to attend the summit in Pakistan underscores India's commitment to the SCO as a multilateral platform. He has emphasized that his presence in Islamabad is solely to fulfill his responsibilities as a member of the organization. His comments, however, do not suggest a shift in India's overall stance on its bilateral relationship with Pakistan. Despite the SCO's focus on regional cooperation, India has consistently raised the issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which has hampered any meaningful progress in bilateral ties. It is against this backdrop that Jaishankar's visit is taking place, adding another layer of complexity to the already challenging relationship between the two countries.
The SCO summit, which will be hosted by Pakistan, presents a unique opportunity for India and Pakistan to engage on a multilateral platform. While Jaishankar has made it clear that the visit is not intended to address bilateral issues, the presence of both countries at the summit could create a conducive atmosphere for informal interactions and potential dialogue. However, given the history of strained relations, any tangible progress in improving ties is unlikely to emerge from this particular event.
Looking ahead, the SCO summit in Islamabad could mark a step towards a more constructive relationship between India and Pakistan, albeit a slow and gradual process. The organization provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation, which could potentially contribute to addressing some of the long-standing issues between the two countries. However, any significant improvement in the bilateral relationship will likely require a concerted effort from both sides, addressing the underlying concerns and building trust through sustained engagement.
In conclusion, Jaishankar's visit to Pakistan for the SCO summit serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances in India-Pakistan relations. The SCO offers a valuable framework for regional cooperation, but it is not a substitute for direct bilateral engagement. It remains to be seen whether the summit will yield any concrete outcomes in terms of improving ties between the two nations. However, the mere fact of India's participation in the summit highlights the importance of regional cooperation and the potential for progress through multilateral platforms.
Source: "Since I Am A Civil Person...": S Jaishankar On His Upcoming Pakistan Visit