India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is set to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave. This will be the first high-level visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years, amid persistent tensions between the two countries.
Pakistan Strengthens Ties with China
On Monday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral relations. Several agreements were signed during their discussions, and they virtually inaugurated the Chinese-funded Gwadar Airport. The meeting reflected satisfaction with the strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, which is grounded in mutual trust.
Jaishankar will attend a reception hosted by Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, for the delegates of SCO member nations. However, there are no plans for bilateral talks between Jaishankar and Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar during the summit.
First Visit in Nine Years
This marks the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan since Sushma Swaraj attended a conference on Afghanistan in Islamabad in December 2015. Jaishankar's visit comes despite ongoing tensions, particularly over the Kashmir issue and concerns surrounding cross-border terrorism linked to Pakistan.
Attendees and Summit Details
The SCO meeting will be attended by leaders such as China’s Prime Minister Li Qiang, Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and key representatives from Central Asian nations. Discussions will focus on cooperation in commerce, economy, and cultural links, with significant decisions expected to enhance collaboration among member states.
Sour Relations Between India and Pakistan
Relations between India and Pakistan soured after India’s airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot in 2019 and further deteriorated when India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir later that year. Despite ongoing tensions, India continues to emphasize its desire for normal relations with Pakistan, contingent upon Islamabad’s efforts to eliminate terrorism.
Jaishankar's participation in the SCO conclave is expected to last less than 24 hours. While bilateral talks are not planned, the visit is seen as a significant moment in regional diplomacy, highlighting the complex relations between the two nations.
With inputs from agencies
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