Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is set to break a decade-long barrier by visiting Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on October 15 and 16. This historic visit comes as India aims to actively engage in regional security cooperation while balancing concerns over China’s influence in the SCO.
The SCO summit, under Pakistan’s rotating chairmanship, will also see participation from other countries, including an invitation extended to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A comprehensive security plan has been approved for the event, with additional personnel from Pakistan Army, Rangers, FC, and Punjab police ensuring foolproof security for all participants.
Although India has historically been hesitant to attend meetings in Pakistan, this visit marks a significant step towards fostering positive relations within the region. Despite diplomatic tensions, past engagements like former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s visit to India for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers highlight the importance of multilateral dialogue.
As India navigates its role within the SCO, the upcoming summit provides an opportunity to strengthen ties with Central Asian nations while carefully managing geopolitical dynamics. By participating in the SCO summit, both India and Pakistan signal a willingness to prioritize regional cooperation and dialogue over longstanding disputes.
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