Jaishankar Clarifies Pakistan Visit Is for SCO Summit, not on engaging in a two-nation dialogue

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that his upcoming visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit will not involve any India-Pakistan dialogue. He emphasized that the trip is primarily for a multilateral event.

Acknowledging that his visit would attract significant media attention due to the complex relationship between the two countries, Jaishankar reiterated that he would not engage in discussions about bilateral relations. “I am going there to be a responsible member of the SCO, not to negotiate India-Pakistan relations,” he stated at an event in the national capital.

He added, “As a courteous and civil person, I will conduct myself appropriately.”

Pakistan is set to host the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting on October 15 and 16. Jaishankar explained that his participation aligns with traditional practices, noting, “Normally, the Prime Minister attends high-level meetings. This year, the meeting is in Islamabad since Pakistan is a new member of the grouping, similar to us.”

During a Sardar Patel lecture on Governance organized by the IC Centre for Governance, Jaishankar commented on the challenges facing the SCO, subtly addressing Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism. “Terrorism is unacceptable. Despite global consensus, one of our neighbors continues to support it, and such actions must have consequences. It cannot be business as usual in the region,” he stated, highlighting why SAARC meetings have stalled in recent years.

However, he pointed out that regional integration has continued in the Indian subcontinent, citing improved relations with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, with ongoing infrastructure projects like railway restorations and electricity grid developments.

Notably, this will be the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade, amid ongoing tensions due to terrorism linked to Pakistani soil.

Jaishankar also advocated for reforms in the United Nations, emphasizing that the organization, founded 80 years ago with 51 members, is now outdated with 193 members. “If we have grown from 51 to 193, the management must adapt accordingly. The global economic landscape has also shifted,” he concluded.