S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, will lead its delegation to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on the 15th and 16th of October, 2024. The visit is significant because it is the first time in over 15 years that an Indian representative of such stature will visit Pakistan following strained bilateral relations. The SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting is a pivotal platform for regional cooperation against its centrality; security, economic development, and political stability within member states.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, established in 2001, is a regional political, economic, and security alliance comprising eight member states-including India, China, Russia, and Pakistan. India’s participation in the summit underscored its commitment to regional cooperation and peaceful coexistence, notwithstanding complicated relations with Pakistan. This year’s summit will encompass talks on regional security, counterterrorism, and economic partnerships across Asia.
Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan is considerable as it underscores India’s active engagement with the SCO, an increasingly influential platform in regional geopolitics. Given the present global socio-economic and security challenges, such a visit would further signal India’s strategic vision towards multilateral relations.
Bilateral Dynamics and Regional Importance
At a time when India-Pakistan relations are already strained largely over cross-border terrorism and the Kashmir dispute, the Indian Minister of External Affairs’s drive towards the summit seeks to demonstrate India’s commitment to regional stability. The scenario opens a door for both countries to engage indirectly on issues related to terrorism, trade, and regional security.
Jaishankar is ready to represent India at the summit, with the Ministry of External Affairs underlining the intention behind India’s participation as directed towards “advancing the cause of regional cooperation.” A senior government official explained, “India values its role in the SCO framework and will continuously contribute to the discussion and deliberation on important regional issues.”
Key Agenda at the Summit
The summit is expected to discuss issues relevant at the moment, including:
- Counterterrorism measures where the member states will probably share joint talks about fighting against terrorism, drug trafficking, and transnational crime, as such issues are still the most severe security threats across the region.
- Economic partnerships hoisted the crest to further discuss trade, emphasising sectors like energy and technology that are vital for economic growth in Asia.
- Regional stability: The summit will address security issues linked to the ongoing geopolitical tension between the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war and its further implications for Asia.
- This summit will allow India, an important player in the region, to advocate for counterterrorism and economic growth at this forum. Furthering the host of Pakistan would add a layer of flair in complexity, given the history of India-Pakistan relations.
