External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad to attend the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) marks a significant moment in India-Pakistan relations.
This is the first time in nearly nine years that an Indian foreign minister has travelled to Pakistan. Although bilateral ties remain tense, especially concerning Kashmir and cross-border terrorism, Jaishankar’s participation in the summit underscores India’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy within the framework of the SCO.
The two-day summit is being held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, under heavy security due to both political unrest and concerns over militant violence. Pakistani authorities have taken extensive measures, including deploying military troops throughout the city and enforcing new restrictions to limit public protests.
This security effort is a response to the volatile political climate, highlighted by the arrest of many supporters of jailed opposition leader Imran Khan. His party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), recently called off a planned demonstration, but tensions remain high. In light of these challenges, the Pakistani government declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, closing schools, businesses, and ensuring a high security presence across the city.
The SCO summit is a key event for member states, bringing together top political leaders and diplomats from across the region. Alongside Jaishankar, notable attendees include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and other leaders from SCO member countries.
Li Qiang’s visit is also significant, as it marks the first time in over a decade that a Chinese Premier has visited Pakistan. The summit will feature important discussions on security, trade, and development cooperation, with a particular focus on regional connectivity, counterterrorism efforts, and economic partnerships.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will host a welcome dinner for all delegations, and the summit’s main proceedings will take place on the second day. The event is expected to conclude with remarks from Sharif, document signings, and media statements, along with an official luncheon for the attendees.
While the focus of the summit will remain on multilateral discussions, both India and Pakistan have ruled out any bilateral meetings between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, on the sidelines of the event.
Despite the lack of direct talks, Jaishankar’s presence in Islamabad is still viewed as a diplomatic signal, demonstrating India’s willingness to engage in regional forums, even amid strained relations.
In a recent public address, Jaishankar remarked that India would prefer to maintain good relations with Pakistan, but this goal cannot be achieved without addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism. His remarks indicate that while India remains open to dialogue, it firmly maintains its stance on national security concerns.
Jaishankar’s participation also follows a formal invitation from Pakistan to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the summit. Although Modi did not attend, sending Jaishankar in his place represents a strategic move by India, balancing regional cooperation with its own security and foreign policy priorities.
The SCO, of which India and Pakistan have been permanent members since 2017, is an important platform for fostering collaboration on issues such as counterterrorism, economic development, and regional connectivity.
Beyond the summit, China’s presence in Pakistan is also noteworthy. Premier Li Qiang’s visit coincides with the inauguration of the CPEC-funded Gwadar International Airport in Balochistan, a region crucial to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
This visit underscores the strong ties between China and Pakistan, particularly in terms of economic and infrastructure cooperation. During his four-day visit, Li is expected to meet with Pakistani leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari and key military figures, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and advancing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
This growing collaboration between China and Pakistan adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, especially considering India’s reservations about CPEC passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
As the SCO summit unfolds, it serves as an important diplomatic event not only for regional cooperation but also for understanding the intricate dynamics between its member states. Jaishankar’s visit, despite the lack of bilateral talks, signals India’s ongoing engagement with international platforms like the SCO.
However, the underlying tensions between India and Pakistan remain a key factor shaping their interactions within such forums. The summit is expected to result in significant discussions on security and economic collaboration, even as geopolitical challenges persist in the region.
Follow us
