Jaishankar’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit marks the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will visit Pakistan on October 15-16 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This event marks a notable moment in Indo-Pak relations, as it will be the first time in nearly ten years that an Indian foreign minister has set foot in Pakistan.

At a recent press briefing, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal announced Jaishankar’s upcoming trip, emphasising the importance of the summit. This invitation follows Pakistan’s offer to host the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, and several countries have already confirmed their attendance.

The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi further underscores the significance of this summit. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for the Pakistan Foreign Office, stated that the Prime Minister of India has indeed received an invitation to participate. This development signifies a potential thaw in relations, albeit amidst a backdrop of historical tensions.

Security preparations for the summit are already underway. On Wednesday, a comprehensive security plan was approved during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi. To ensure the safety of the participants, additional personnel from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps, and Punjab Police will be deployed across the capital. The interior ministry has authorised the army’s presence in Islamabad from October 5 to 17, a decision intended to maintain law and order during the high-profile event.

The last time an Indian foreign minister visited Pakistan was nearly a decade ago. The most recent high-level exchange occurred in May 2023, when then-Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari attended the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in India, marking the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to India in twelve years. Reflecting on his experience, Bhutto-Zardari described the trip as a “productive and positive decision” that facilitated discussions on several key issues, including the longstanding Kashmir dispute.

Past interactions between the two nations have often been fraught with tension, but engagement continues to be sought. In December 2016, former adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz represented Pakistan at the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar. Moreover, when India hosted the SCO Council of Heads of State in July 2023 virtually, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated, signalling an ongoing willingness to engage despite historical challenges.

India’s involvement in the SCO highlights its delicate balancing act as it navigates the complexities of regional security dynamics. While seeking to collaborate with neighbouring countries, India remains cautious of China’s growing influence within the organisation. By participating selectively in SCO’s economic strategies, India aims to foster constructive ties with Central Asian nations while counterbalancing Chinese dominance in the region.

As the date for the summit approaches, anticipation builds around Jaishankar’s visit. It presents an opportunity for both nations to engage in meaningful dialogue and address the pressing issues that affect their relationship. The backdrop of the summit offers a platform for both leaders to explore avenues for cooperation while acknowledging their differences.

In summary, Jaishankar’s upcoming visit is not only a step toward diplomatic engagement but also a chance for both India and Pakistan to reassess their relationship. As both nations navigate the challenges ahead, the SCO summit serves as a crucial space for dialogue, potentially opening doors to greater collaboration.