External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan for the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting scheduled on October 15 and 16 in Islamabad. This visit is significant as it marks the participation of an Indian minister in a high-level international meeting hosted by Pakistan.
The invitation for this meeting was officially acknowledged by India on August 30, following Pakistan's confirmation of its role as the rotating chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. The two-day event will bring together representatives from various member states to discuss key issues affecting the region.
In the lead-up to the Islamabad summit, there will be several preparatory meetings. These will include a ministerial gathering and multiple sessions for senior officials.
The focus will be on enhancing cooperation in several vital areas, including financial and economic matters, socio-cultural exchanges, and humanitarian initiatives among the SCO member countries.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was established in 2001 during a summit in Shanghai, initiated by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Over the years, it has expanded significantly. India and Pakistan were welcomed as permanent members in 2017, adding to the organisation's influence in the region. Most recently, Iran became a permanent member during a virtual summit hosted by India in July 2023.
The SCO has grown to become one of the largest trans-regional international organisations, recognized for its economic and security collaborations. Last year, India hosted the SCO summit, which was conducted virtually.
Notably, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated via video link, emphasising the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations, even amidst challenges in bilateral relations.
Jaishankar's upcoming visit highlights the importance of the SCO as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, particularly among its member states. It presents an opportunity for India and Pakistan to engage in discussions that could help address regional security and economic challenges.
As the summit approaches, the international community will be watching closely to see how this gathering will influence relations between India and Pakistan, as well as the broader dynamics within the SCO.
The cooperation and collaboration forged during such meetings could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the region, especially given the changing geopolitical landscape.
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