Lahore
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan today for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave, marking the first high-level visit from India in nearly a decade. This visit occurs despite ongoing strains in India-Pakistan relations, primarily due to issues surrounding Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.
Upon arrival in Islamabad, Jaishankar is expected to attend a banquet hosted by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for SCO delegates. However, both nations have confirmed that there will be no bilateral discussions.
This visit is particularly notable as it is the first by an Indian foreign minister since Sushma Swaraj attended a conference in Islamabad in December 2015. The backdrop of Jaishankar’s trip includes deteriorated relations following India’s military action in Balakot in February 2019 and the abrogation of JK’s special status in August 2019.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Jaishankar has emphasized India’s desire for good relations with Pakistan, conditioned on addressing issues of terrorism. His participation in the SCO meeting signifies India’s commitment to the organization. The SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting will be held on October 15 and 16.
