MUMBAI, Oct 5 — In a significant development in India-Pakistan relations, India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has clarified that he will not engage in discussions related to bilateral relations during his upcoming visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. This marks his first visit to the country in nearly a decade, and expectations are high due to the historical tensions and complexities between the two nations.
Jaishankar addressed media speculation regarding the nature of his visit during a recent event in New Delhi, stating, “I expect there would be a lot of media interest because of the very nature of the relationship.” However, he emphasized the multilateral character of the SCO gathering, asserting, “I am not going there to discuss India-Pakistan relations.”
The Ministry of External Affairs of India confirmed that Jaishankar’s participation in the summit is scheduled for October 15-16, but it remains unclear whether he will hold any bilateral meetings with Pakistani leaders on the sidelines of the event. This ambiguity adds to the intrigue surrounding his visit, as bilateral talks could signal a thaw in relations or at least a willingness to engage in dialogue.
The backdrop to Jaishankar’s upcoming visit is one of considerable tension. India and Pakistan have a long and contentious history, with relations oscillating between periods of engagement and confrontation. The diplomatic ties between the two countries took a serious downturn in 2019 when both sides made reciprocal moves to downgrade their relations, resulting in a significant reduction of diplomatic interactions.
In recent statements, Jaishankar has acknowledged the pressing need for addressing the long-standing issue of cross-border terrorism, which he views as a critical barrier to improved relations. Earlier this year, he articulated India’s desire to “find a solution to the issue of years-old cross-border terrorism,” while also noting that this challenge cannot dictate India’s approach to its neighbors. His comments suggest a nuanced stance: India seeks constructive dialogue but firmly expects Pakistan to address terrorism-related concerns.
On the subject of his conduct at the SCO summit, Jaishankar described his approach as one of courtesy and decorum, stating, “I am going there to be a good member of the SCO but since I am a courteous and civil person, I will behave myself accordingly.” This statement reflects India’s intent to participate actively in multilateral discussions while maintaining a clear boundary regarding bilateral negotiations.
The SCO summit is particularly noteworthy as it gathers several influential countries from the region, focusing on cooperation in security, economic development, and cultural exchange. The presence of both Indian and Pakistani leaders at the same forum underscores the importance of regional diplomacy, despite the absence of direct dialogue on contentious issues.
While the Indian foreign minister’s visit to Pakistan could be viewed as an opportunity to rekindle dialogue, the prevailing sentiment in India remains cautious. Officials have indicated that any meaningful engagement would depend on Pakistan’s actions, particularly regarding its commitment to curbing terrorism and fostering a conducive environment for peace talks.
Historically, multilateral platforms like the SCO have provided avenues for nations to address regional security concerns and economic collaboration. However, the complexities of India-Pakistan relations often overshadow such events, with each country wary of the other’s intentions. Jaishankar’s firm stance on avoiding bilateral discussions reflects India’s broader strategy of addressing regional issues through a multilateral lens, while simultaneously holding Pakistan accountable for its past actions.
The potential for dialogue remains a contentious issue among policymakers in India. Some argue that engaging in bilateral discussions, even in a limited capacity, could pave the way for future negotiations. Others caution that such talks may lend legitimacy to Pakistan’s actions if they do not address underlying issues of security and terrorism.
As the summit approaches, all eyes will be on Jaishankar’s interactions in Pakistan. The outcome of his visit could have significant implications for the future of India-Pakistan relations, and the international community is keenly observing how both countries navigate this complex diplomatic landscape.
While Jaishankar’s participation in the SCO summit symbolizes a commitment to regional cooperation, his refusal to engage in bilateral talks underscores the persistent challenges in India-Pakistan relations. The need for dialogue on terrorism and mutual security remains pressing, yet it is evident that both nations continue to tread cautiously, wary of the historical tensions that have shaped their interactions. As the date of the summit draws near, the diplomatic landscape remains charged with anticipation, with many hoping that this multilateral forum might eventually lead to a more constructive engagement between these two neighboring countries.