Jaishankar will go to Pak for SCO meeting, first visit by EAM since Sushma Swaraj 9 years ago
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation to Pakistan for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Heads of Government
Highlights:
- Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation to Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Heads of Government (SCO CHG) meeting. This marks the first visit to Pakistan by an Indian External Affairs Minister in nine years, since Sushma Swaraj attended the Heart of Asia Conference in 2015.
Background: SCO Meeting and Invitations:
- In August 2024, Pakistan, as the rotating chair of the SCO CHG, extended invitations to the heads of government of all member states, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the upcoming meeting.
- Jaishankar’s participation in the SCO event underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation within the SCO framework despite strained bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.
Historic Context: Past India-Pakistan Diplomatic Engagement:
- The last high-level diplomatic visit was in December 2015, when Sushma Swaraj attended the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan in Islamabad.
- During that visit, Swaraj met then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz, leading to the announcement of a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue between the two nations.
- Shortly after, in a surprise move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lahore on December 25, 2015, marking a rare diplomatic engagement between the two leaders.
Current Political Situation in Pakistan:
- Jaishankar’s visit comes at a volatile time for Pakistan, as the country is witnessing protests by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
- Authorities in Islamabad have deployed paramilitary forces and blocked roads to prevent protests demanding Khan’s release.
- The internal unrest adds complexity to the diplomatic visit as Pakistan's political landscape remains unstable under the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Chilled Relations Since 2019:
- Relations between India and Pakistan have been particularly tense since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked Jammu & Kashmir’s special status.
- In response, Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties with India, citing Kashmir as a central issue.
- India has consistently maintained that while it seeks normal relations with Pakistan, any meaningful engagement depends on Pakistan creating an environment free of terror and hostility.
Recent Diplomatic Developments:
- In May 2023, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, then Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, visited India to attend the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa, making him the first Pakistani Foreign Minister to visit India in 12 years.
- Despite continued diplomatic rifts, both nations continue to engage under the SCO umbrella, highlighting the importance of multilateral platforms in maintaining communication.
Prelims Takeaways:
- SCO summit