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Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to Visit Pakistan for SCO Summit
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will arrive in Pakistan tomorrow for the SCO summit, marking a rare diplomatic visit.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-14
Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to Visit Pakistan for SCO Summit

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow evening for a brief visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, according to Indian media reports.

 

During his 24-hour stay, Jaishankar is expected to engage in significant meetings with top Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions are anticipated to focus on regional cooperation and pressing diplomatic issues within the SCO framework, offering a unique opportunity for dialogue between India and Pakistan, whose relations have remained tense in recent years.

 

Indian media reports further suggest that Jaishankar may attend a formal dinner hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in honor of the summit's dignitaries. This would be a notable gesture amidst the long-standing diplomatic challenges between the neighboring countries.

 

Jaishankar’s Diplomatic Mission

Jaishankar’s visit, though brief, holds significant diplomatic weight as it marks a rare engagement between India and Pakistan. The visit is viewed as an opportunity to navigate regional cooperation and enhance dialogue, particularly within the multilateral framework of the SCO, which includes China, Russia, and Central Asian states.

 

India and Pakistan have had strained relations over the past several years, with diplomatic ties further deteriorating after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. This visit may offer a chance to ease some tensions, albeit within a broader context of regional collaboration.

 

Historic Chinese Visit to Pakistan

Earlier on Monday, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang landed in Islamabad, marking the first visit of a Chinese premier to Pakistan in over a decade. He was personally received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Islamabad airport.

 

Following a formal guard of honor at the PM House, both leaders are set to engage in high-level talks. The discussions aim to bolster bilateral ties, with a focus on economic cooperation, trade, and regional stability.

 

Prime Minister Li Qiang’s visit coincides with the SCO summit, underscoring China’s strategic interest in the region. His arrival is seen as a pivotal moment in Pakistan-China relations, signaling continued support from Beijing, especially in light of the current geopolitical climate.

 

Diplomatic Significance

Both Jaishankar’s visit from India and Li Qiang’s historic arrival from China highlight the importance of the SCO as a platform for regional dialogue. Pakistan’s role as host of these key dignitaries reflects its central position in facilitating such conversations.

 

As regional powers converge in Islamabad for the SCO summit, the world will watch closely to see if these diplomatic engagements lead to meaningful outcomes, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations and China’s growing influence in South Asia.
Tagged:

SCO

RegionalCooperation

DiplomaticEngagement

ChinaPakistan

IndiaPakistan

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