India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, will visit Pakistan on October 15-16 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This visit marks a crucial diplomatic step as tensions remain high between the two neighboring nations.
The SCO summit brings together key players like China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations. Jaishankar’s participation shows India’s strategic interest in remaining involved in global forums like the SCO, despite its ongoing issues with Pakistan.
The decision to attend follows months of speculation. Many questioned whether India would participate given its relationship with Pakistan. India held the SCO presidency last year, and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto attended virtually at the time. Now, with Pakistan hosting, all eyes are on Jaishankar’s role at the summit.
Jaishankar will engage with member states to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism. However, no bilateral meetings between India and Pakistan are expected, as both sides have avoided direct talks due to deep-rooted disagreements.
India’s participation at the summit allows it to assert its stance on regional security while maintaining its diplomatic ties with major powers like Russia and China. India’s goal remains to promote stability in South Asia while addressing cross-border issues, particularly terrorism.
Pakistan, which currently chairs the SCO, aims to showcase its diplomatic presence through this event. The SCO, founded in 2001, has grown into a key platform for economic and security discussions. India’s attendance reinforces its role as a key player in regional diplomacy while balancing its security concerns.
This summit will be closely watched. It will provide insight into India’s approach to regional diplomacy, especially as it navigates its complex relationship with Pakistan and other regional powers.
