Islamabad, October 15, 2024 – The arrival of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, in Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit marks a significant diplomatic event, given the frosty relations between India and Pakistan over the years. This visit, devoid of any planned bilateral talks, underscores the complexities of regional diplomacy where multilateral forums like the SCO provide a platform for engagement, even amidst strained bilateral relations.
India’s Role in SCO: Strengthening Multilateral Ties
The SCO, encompassing nearly half the world’s population and a vast expanse of Eurasia, has become a pivotal organization for regional security, economic cooperation, and political dialogue. Jaishankar’s presence in Pakistan, not as a gesture of thawing relations but as a commitment to SCO’s broader objectives, highlights India’s strategic interests in this bloc. India’s involvement in SCO is driven by its quest for a balance of power in Asia, countering China’s growing influence, and fostering economic ties with Central Asian nations. This visit reinforces India’s role as a responsible regional power, engaging in international forums despite unresolved conflicts with neighbors.
Indo-Pak Relations: A Standoff in Multilateral Clothes
The absence of any planned bilateral meeting between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart during this SCO summit reflects the current state of Indo-Pak relations – characterized by deep suspicion, primarily due to Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism. Jaishankar’s stance, emphasizing his visit’s purpose as strictly multilateral, avoids setting a precedent that might suggest normalcy or progress in bilateral relations. This approach indicates India’s continued hard stance against what it perceives as state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan. However, the very act of Jaishankar’s presence in Pakistan does open a channel, however narrow, for future diplomatic dialogues, potentially under different circumstances or leadership.
Crackdown on Terrorism: A Hope or Hyperbole?
The SCO summit provides a backdrop where issues like terrorism, often central to India-Pakistan discord, get discussed. While Jaishankar’s visit might not directly address terrorism with Pakistan, the SCO’s charter on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism offers a framework. However, translating these discussions into concrete actions against terrorist outfits, especially those India accuses Pakistan of harboring, remains challenging. The effectiveness of such forums in curbing terrorism, particularly when state sponsorship is alleged, often falls short of expectations. Yet, the visibility and international spotlight on these issues might incrementally pressure Pakistan towards more cooperation, if not immediate action.
The PoJK Conundrum: A Distant Dream or Strategic Discourse?
The return of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) to India remains a deeply emotional and strategic issue for India, often discussed in diplomatic circles but far from realization, despite emphatic resolve shown by Modi Government to take it back from Pakistan. Jaishankar’s visit does not directly address this topic, but every high-level interaction between India and Pakistan subtly touches upon territorial disputes. The SCO platform might not be where territorial solutions are negotiated, but it serves as a reminder of unresolved issues. While the return of PoJK seems a distant dream under current geopolitical realities, such engagements keep the discourse alive, potentially influencing international opinion or setting stages for future negotiations.
Opinion: For all practical purposes, It’s merely a diplomatic formality.
Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan for the SCO summit can be viewed through multiple lenses. From a diplomatic standpoint, it’s a masterclass in maintaining engagement without compromise. It showcases India’s commitment to its international obligations while not diluting its stance on core issues like terrorism. However, expecting immediate breakthroughs or significant shifts in policy from such interactions might be overly optimistic. The visit could be seen as laying groundwork for future dialogues, perhaps under less hostile conditions or with a change in leadership. For now, it’s a delicate balance of adherence to international norms while safeguarding national interests. The real impact might be in the long-term, subtly influencing how Pakistan perceives its strategic options concerning India, especially in forums where both have to coexist and cooperate.
Conclusion
Dr. S Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan for the SCO summit, while not heralding a new era in Indo-Pak relations, marks a nuanced approach in diplomacy. It’s a testament to India’s strategic depth, where participation in global platforms like the SCO doesn’t equate to softening on bilateral disputes. As the world watches, this visit might not rewrite history overnight but certainly adds a new, albeit cautious, chapter in the complex tale of South Asian geopolitics.
