Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The summit will take place on October 15 and 16. This marks the first visit of an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade.
India and Pakistan have a complex relationship, but they continue to engage through multilateral platforms like the SCO. The SCO offers both countries an opportunity to collaborate on regional security and economic initiatives, even as tensions remain high between them.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that invitations were sent to key leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Though direct meetings between Indian and Pakistani leaders are unlikely, their participation in the summit highlights the importance of the SCO in fostering dialogue among member states.
The SCO allows flexibility in its meetings, unlike other regional platforms. For instance, India boycotted the 2016 Saarc summit hosted by Pakistan, which led to a deadlock. However, the SCO framework doesn’t require all members to be present for a summit, enabling continued participation from both sides despite political tensions.
The summit is expected to cover key regional issues, including security cooperation and economic partnerships. India’s approach to the SCO has always been cautious, balancing its involvement in regional initiatives while keeping a watchful eye on China’s growing influence within the organisation. This visit will likely follow that pattern, focusing on mutual benefits without direct confrontation.
This more concise analysis is easier for WordPress audiences to follow while still touching on the key geopolitical dynamics relevant to the SCO summit.
