S Jaishankar India’s External Affairs Minister to Visit Pakistan For SCO Meet 2024

S Jaishankar to Make Historic Visit to Pakistan for SCO Meet

India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, will visit Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. This marks the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan since Sushma Swaraj in 2015. The meeting is significant for regional diplomacy, especially considering the tense relations between India and Pakistan in recent years.

The Importance of Jaishankar’s Visit

Jaishankar’s participation in the SCO meeting, scheduled in Islamabad, highlights India’s commitment to engaging with neighboring nations through multilateral platforms. The SCO, consisting of eight member states including India, Pakistan, China, and Russia, focuses on enhancing regional cooperation in security, economic, and cultural matters. While the visit is centered around the SCO agenda, many analysts expect India-Pakistan bilateral issues to linger in the background.

The strained relations between the two nations, primarily over Kashmir, have led to limited diplomatic engagements. However, Jaishankar’s visit could signal a possibility for constructive dialogue in the future.

Historical Context: India-Pakistan Relations at SCO

India and Pakistan have been part of the SCO since 2017. While both countries have had their share of tense interactions, the platform provides a structured environment for them to discuss regional security issues. The previous foreign ministerial visit by Sushma Swaraj, in 2015, did not lead to any significant breakthrough in bilateral relations, but it was seen as a diplomatic effort to maintain open communication channels.

Key Focus Areas of the SCO Meeting

The SCO meeting will likely address a wide range of regional issues, including counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, and connectivity. SCO member states have been working on deepening partnerships, especially in tackling extremism and improving cross-border trade. Both India and Pakistan have vested interests in these areas, given the challenges they face domestically and regionally.

However, due to the delicate nature of India-Pakistan relations, it is unlikely that Jaishankar’s visit will immediately result in bilateral talks. The meeting’s focus will remain largely on broader regional concerns.

Pakistan’s Standpoint

Pakistan is hosting this SCO meeting amidst its own set of challenges, both domestically and internationally. Economically, the country is facing a downturn, and politically, there has been turbulence. In this scenario, Pakistan may view Jaishankar’s visit as an opportunity to show diplomatic leadership and strengthen its role within the SCO framework.

Jaishankar’s Diplomatic Approach

S. Jaishankar is known for his pragmatic approach to foreign relations. His experience in international diplomacy and his tenure as foreign secretary have made him a key player in shaping India’s foreign policy. His visit to Pakistan, though under the multilateral banner of the SCO, will be closely watched by regional experts for any signs of softening or hardening of India’s stance on bilateral issues with Pakistan.

Will There Be Bilateral Talks?

While there is much speculation about the potential for side talks between India and Pakistan during the SCO meeting, official sources from both sides have downplayed such possibilities. The primary agenda remains the multilateral discussions on regional cooperation.

Given the current political atmosphere, both countries are likely to focus on the SCO’s collective objectives rather than engage directly in bilateral discussions. Any movement toward dialogue would require substantial groundwork and changes in the political will on both sides.

Conclusion

S. Jaishankar’s upcoming visit to Pakistan for the SCO meeting is significant, both for regional diplomacy and as a potential indicator of future India-Pakistan interactions. While expectations for bilateral breakthroughs remain low, the meeting will provide an opportunity for both nations to engage within a multilateral context, focusing on shared regional concerns. As the world watches closely, the SCO meeting may help pave the way for more robust cooperation in South Asia.

FAQs

Q1: When is the SCO meeting where S. Jaishankar will visit Pakistan?
The meeting will take place soon, with the exact date to be confirmed.

Q2: Has an Indian foreign minister visited Pakistan recently?
No, this will be the first visit by an Indian foreign minister since Sushma Swaraj’s visit in 2015.

Q3: What is the significance of the SCO?
The SCO is a multilateral organization focusing on regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, and economic collaboration among member states.

Q4: Will there be bilateral talks between India and Pakistan during the visit?
Officially, no bilateral talks are scheduled, as the focus will remain on multilateral discussions through the SCO platform.

Q5: What are the key issues expected to be discussed in the SCO meeting?
Counter-terrorism, regional security, economic cooperation, and connectivity are likely to be the key areas of discussion.

Q6: What role does Pakistan play in the SCO?
Pakistan is a member of the SCO and plays an active role in regional cooperation efforts, especially regarding security and economic matters.