Why is S Jaishankar going to Pakistan? First Indian minister to visit after nearly nine years

S Jaishankar Pakistan visit: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan for a crucial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on October 15-16. This high-level meeting, usually attended by heads of state or prime ministers, will see Jaishankar lead the Indian delegation in place of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose participation was previously invited by Pakistan in August. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed this on October 4, marking a rare high-profile visit amidst strained relations between the two nations.

Jaishankar to lead Indian delegation

The SCO meeting, scheduled in Islamabad, will feature discussions between the heads of state of member countries. While the tradition has been for prime ministers or presidents to attend, India has opted to send its foreign minister. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed the participation of Jaishankar at a press conference, emphasizing India's active role in the summit.

First visit to Pakistan in 9 years

This visit marks the first time in nine years that an Indian foreign minister will step foot in Pakistan. The last visit was by then Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in December 2015. The most recent instance of an Indian minister attending a multilateral event in Pakistan was in August 2016, when Rajnath Singh, then Home Minister, represented India at the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) meeting.

Since the Uri Army Camp terrorist attack in September 2016, India has refused to attend meetings held in Pakistan. Relations further deteriorated following the 2019 Pulwama attacks. Only a few instances, like the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, have seen Indian ministers cross the border since then.

Tense relations amid terrorism concerns

Jaishankar’s visit comes amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding terrorism. On August 30, Jaishankar declared that the era of continuous dialogue with Pakistan is over, stressing that actions have consequences and that terrorism and talks cannot go hand in hand. His participation in the SCO meeting underscores the delicate diplomatic balance both countries are attempting to maintain.

What is the SCO?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a significant international body comprising 10 member countries. Founded in 2001 by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, it was designed to foster trade and security collaboration. Over time, it expanded to include more nations, with India and Pakistan joining in 2017.

Today, the SCO’s member states include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. Belarus is the newest member, having joined in July 2024, while Iran became a full member in 2023. The SCO is notable for representing 40% of the world’s population, making it a crucial geopolitical and economic platform.

Since its inception, the SCO has held annual meetings for heads of state, heads of government, and foreign ministers, aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors. India’s participation in this year’s meeting reflects its ongoing commitment to the organization, despite the complexities of its relationship with Pakistan.