Islamabad: At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp message to Pakistan, highlighting the ongoing strain in bilateral relations and the persistent issue of cross-border terrorism. Speaking at the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting on Wednesday, Jaishankar underscored the need for Pakistan to reflect on why ties between the two nations remain fraught.
In a pointed statement that avoided directly naming Pakistan, Jaishankar said, “If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate, if the friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address.” He further emphasized that activities like terrorism, extremism, and separatism hinder progress in areas such as trade, energy, and people-to-people exchanges, making it clear that such cross-border activities are detrimental to regional cooperation.
India-Pakistan Relations: A History of Tensions
India-Pakistan relations have been in a state of heightened tension since February 2019, when India conducted airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot, Pakistan, in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack. The ties worsened further after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, reorganizing the state into two union territories.
Pakistan responded by downgrading diplomatic ties and suspending trade with India, and tensions have remained high since then. India has consistently maintained that while it seeks normal relations with Pakistan, the onus lies on Islamabad to create a terror-free and peaceful environment conducive to dialogue and cooperation.
Brief Diplomatic Exchange
Despite the strained relations, Jaishankar exchanged pleasantries with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a dinner reception at Sharif’s residence, held in honor of SCO member country delegates. The two leaders shook hands and briefly interacted, marking a rare diplomatic gesture between the two nations.
Jaishankar’s trip to Pakistan for the SCO summit is notable as it is the first time in nearly nine years that an Indian foreign minister has visited the neighboring country. The last high-level visit took place amidst tense relations over the Kashmir issue and recurring incidents of terrorism attributed to Pakistan-based groups.
India, however, remains actively engaged in the various mechanisms of the SCO, demonstrating its commitment to regional cooperation despite bilateral challenges with Pakistan. The SCO Council of Heads of Government summit, hosted by Pakistan on October 15-16, focuses on fostering multilateral ties, with discussions spanning across trade, security, and regional stability.
Jaishankar’s strong remarks at the summit reflect India’s unwavering stance on terrorism as a key obstacle to peace and progress in South Asia.
