New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday evening to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of government meeting. While no formal bilateral discussions with Pakistani officials are planned, Jaishankar is expected to attend a welcome dinner hosted by Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where informal conversations with Shehbaz and Pakistans Finance Minister Ishaq Dar may take place.First visit in nearly a decadeThis marks the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in almost a decade. Despite this, Jaishankar made it clear that his presence at the event is strictly in the capacity of Indias role as a good member of the SCO, an important Eurasian alliance that includes India, Pakistan, Russia, China, and several Central Asian nations.Focus on regional stabilityIndia has deliberately separated its regional disputes, including tensions with Pakistan and China, from its involvement in the SCO. The groups importance in ensuring regional security and Russias influence within the alliance is crucial for Indias participation. Nonetheless, while there are no official bilateral talks planned, informal discussions between Jaishankar and Pakistani officials cannot be ruled out.Indias stand on relations with PakistanIndia has reiterated that for any progress in bilateral relations, it is Pakistans responsibility to take concrete and sustained action against terrorism. Moreover, India expects Pakistan to reconsider its diplomatic downgrade following Indias decision to alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir.
