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India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Pakistan this month after eight years. This visit marks a significant moment, being the first visit by a high-ranking Indian minister to Pakistan, in nearly a decade. Jaishankar will become the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan since 2015.
Current Outlook of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Meeting in Pakistan
As Jaishankar prepares for his upcoming visit to Pakistan, the Indian government appears to be cautiously optimistic. During a recent press briefing, the foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal affirmed Jaishankar’s participation and emphasized the importance of multilateral forums like the SCO in fostering dialogue.
However, it is essential to note that significant hurdles remain, primarily the enduring mistrust stemming from historical conflicts and ongoing allegations of terrorism.
The upcoming meeting will provide a platform for both countries to engage on various regional issues, including security concerns and economic collaboration. However, observers express doubts regarding any substantial breakthroughs, given the historical context and the sensitive nature of bilateral relations.
Why is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Pakistan Visit Important?
The backdrop of this visit is the tense relationship between India and Pakistan, two neighboring countries with nuclear capabilities that have engaged in three wars since their independence in 1947.
The disputes primarily center on the disputed area of Kashmir, which both countries assert as their own, yet each governs only portions of it. Over the years, tensions have intensified, especially after India’s military strikes in Pakistani territory in 2019, after a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
This visit comes after Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari participated in a comparable SCO meeting in India last year. His visit was significant as it marked the first visit by a high-ranking Pakistani official since 2011. It suggested a potential warming of relations, although he did not engage in direct discussions with Jaishankar during that visit.
What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)?
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a political and economic alliance that was established in 2001. The SCO is originally formed by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
It functions as a platform for addressing security and economic collaboration in central Asia, counterbalancing Western alliances like NATO. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance of countries from Europe and North America.
In 2017, India and Pakistan became members of the organization, with India taking on the role of chair in 2023. This year, Pakistan is set to host the summit on October 15 and 16.
Past Ties and Recent Developments of the SCO Visit
The last visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan occurred in 2015. In the last visit, then External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj attended a security conference and engaged in discussions with Pakistani officials. This visit was soon succeeded by an unexpected trip from Indian Prime Narendra Modi to Lahore, where he met then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. However, the relationship has since deteriorated, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The abrogation of Article 370 led to Pakistan suspending trade with India.
Despite the challenges, there have been occasional moments that hinted at the possibility of dialogue. Over the past year, there have been discussions around reopening of diplomatic channels, although concrete steps remain elusive.
Jaishankar’s upcoming visit to Pakistan for the SCO summit marks a noteworthy development in the dynamics of India-Pakistan relations. While the trip symbolizes a potential step toward dialogue, it also highlights the intricate complexities both countries encounter in overcoming decades of mistrust. The international community will be observing closely to determine whether this meeting can facilitate renewed discussions. It also contributes to a more stable relationship in the future.
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Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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