ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad today in order to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting. This high-level visit marks the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years. The SCO summit comes at a critical time, as both nations look to engage in regional multilateralism and economic cooperation through this influential forum.
SCO as a platform for strengthening regional ties
Jaishankar’s participation underscores India’s continued engagement within the SCO, a vital organisation established in 2001 to promote political, economic, and security cooperation across Asia. The member states, including Pakistan, India, China, Russia, and Central Asian countries, focus on fostering mutual development and cooperation. The Islamabad meeting is geared towards enhancing trade, economic partnerships, and connectivity between nations, crucial for a region experiencing dynamic growth and change.
A focus on multilateralism and cooperation
While Jaishankar’s visit is significant, both Indian and Pakistani officials have clarified that there will be no bilateral talks during the summit. Instead, the focus remains on the collective goals of the SCO. The forum offers a platform where member states can collaborate on shared challenges, and work together on issues like economic growth, energy cooperation, and regional stability.
Pakistan’s readiness to host the SCO summit
Pakistan, as the host of this important meeting, is well-prepared to facilitate discussions that will benefit the region. Islamabad has taken comprehensive security measures to ensure a smooth summit, deploying thousands of personnel to maintain safety throughout the event. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted that the nation is fully prepared to welcome its guests and host this significant international event with excellence.
Regional leaders gather to boost collaboration
Besides Jaishankar, senior officials from SCO member nations are also attending, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The summit is expected to discuss initiatives aimed at increasing regional cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, and economic integration. Pakistan, keen to showcase its commitment to regional diplomacy, has emphasised the importance of fostering stronger ties through the SCO framework.
Regional economic progress
Pakistan’s leadership in hosting the SCO summit demonstrates its active role in fostering regional development. The event offers a key platform for all member states to work together towards shared prosperity and collective security. Although India and Pakistan have not engaged in direct bilateral talks, the SCO continues to be a critical forum for both nations to collaborate within the broader framework of multilateral diplomacy.