Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Islamabad, making it the first time in nearly ten years that an Indian foreign minister has visited Pakistan. This visit marked a significant moment in India-Pakistan relations, given the historical tensions between the two nations.
During his stay, Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, for their warm hospitality and efforts in hosting the summit. He emphasized the need for both countries to reflect on the current state of their relationship and how it can be improved for the benefit of the region.
In his remarks, Jaishankar underscored the importance of the goals set by the SCO, which focus on regional cooperation, peace, and security among member states. He highlighted that such summits provide a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration, which are vital for ensuring stability in the region.
After completing his participation in the summit, Jaishankar returned to India, leaving behind a message of diplomatic engagement and the potential for improved neighborly ties through mutual understanding and cooperation. This visit has been seen as an important step in maintaining diplomatic channels between India and Pakistan.