SCO Meeting: On October 15 and 16, 2024, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will make a significant visit to Pakistan to attend the Heads of Government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This marks the first visit by an Indian minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade, making it a notable event in the context of Indo-Pak relations.
Purpose of the Visit
The primary focus of this visit is the SCO meeting, which aims to enhance regional cooperation mechanisms among member states. Here are the key points regarding the purpose of the visit:
- Participation in the SCO meeting: Mr. Jaishankar will engage with leaders from various member countries to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and collaborative initiatives.
- No planned bilateral meetings: As of now, there are no scheduled bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event. This indicates a cautious approach toward direct engagement.
- Focus on regional cooperation: The discussions will likely revolve around enhancing cooperation in various fields such as trade, security, and cultural exchange.
Background of Previous Visits
The last visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan occurred in 2015 when Sushma Swaraj attended the Heart of Asia conference. Here’s a brief overview of significant past visits:
| Year | Indian Minister | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Sushma Swaraj | Heart of Asia conference and bilateral talks |
| 2024 | S. Jaishankar | SCO Heads of Government meeting |
This highlights the rarity of such visits in recent years and sets the context for Jaishankar’s upcoming trip.
Indian Delegation
Mr. Jaishankar will lead India’s delegation at the SCO meeting. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson has emphasized that more details regarding the delegation’s composition and activities will be shared as the program develops.
- Delegation members: While specific names have not been disclosed, it is expected that senior officials from the MEA and other relevant ministries will accompany him.
- Expectations for the meeting: The Indian delegation is expected to push for discussions that align with India’s strategic interests in the region.
Uncertain Stay in Islamabad
As the date approaches, there remains uncertainty regarding whether Mr. Jaishankar will stay overnight in Islamabad. Several factors contribute to this ambiguity:
- Schedule considerations: Depending on the agenda of the SCO meeting, he may choose to return to New Delhi the same day.
- Security and logistics: Travel and security arrangements will also play a crucial role in determining his overnight stay.
Reciprocity of Visits
The decision for Mr. Jaishankar’s visit is based on the principle of reciprocity. This principle is significant in diplomatic relations, reflecting mutual respect and acknowledgment of visits between countries.
- Past reciprocal visit: Pakistan’s then-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto attended the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Goa in May 2023, laying the groundwork for Jaishankar’s upcoming visit.
- Importance of reciprocity: This approach can help ease tensions and foster a more collaborative environment between the two nations.
India’s Stance on SAARC
India has taken a firm stance regarding its participation in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The key points are:
- Refusal to attend SAARC summit: India has declined to participate in the SAARC summit, which has not convened since 2016, primarily due to Pakistan’s actions.
- Stalled SAARC processes: India argues that Pakistan’s refusal to cooperate has stalled regional initiatives, further complicating regional diplomacy.
Tensions with Pakistan
The spokesperson for the MEA has noted ongoing tensions with Pakistan, particularly concerning collaborative efforts in the region. The main points include:
- Impediments to regional cooperation: Pakistan has stalled India’s initiatives, including the Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) and the South Asian electricity grid.
- Challenges to dialogue: These actions have hindered potential dialogues and cooperation that could benefit both nations and the broader region.
Conclusion
S. Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan for the SCO meeting is a pivotal moment in Indian diplomacy. It offers an opportunity to engage with regional leaders and discuss critical issues affecting cooperation. However, the lack of bilateral meetings and ongoing tensions highlight the complexities of Indo-Pak relations.
