S jaishankar’s Bold Visit to Islamabad Amidst Tensions
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Islamabad on Tuesday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave, marking the first high-level Indian visit to Pakistan in nearly nine years. His arrival at Nur Khan Airbase was met by Pakistani officials, signaling a significant, albeit cautious, step in the fraught relationship between the two nations.
Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, exchanged pleasantries during a dinner reception, but both sides have firmly ruled out any bilateral talks on the summit’s sidelines. The last time an Indian foreign minister visited Pakistan was in December 2015, and tensions between the countries have only escalated since then, particularly over issues like Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.
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This visit comes against a backdrop of icy relations, exacerbated by India’s military response to terrorist threats from Pakistan and the controversial abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019. Jaishankar has reiterated that India seeks good relations with Pakistan, but not at the expense of ignoring the genuine threats posed by terrorism.
The SCO meeting on October 15 and 16 is significant for its diplomatic implications and the security measures in place. Pakistan has mobilized over 9,000 security personnel to ensure the summit goes smoothly amid threats of protests from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party concerning the treatment of its jailed leader, Imran Khan.
While the atmosphere remains charged, Jaishankar’s attendance underscores India’s commitment to the SCO and the importance of regional cooperation despite the persistent tensions with Pakistan. The stakes are high as both nations navigate the complexities of their relationship in this international forum.