SCO Summit Highlights India’s Diplomatic Stance on Pakistan

The 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Islamabad has concluded, marking the first visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Pakistan in nearly a decade. Despite speculation regarding the potential for a shift in India-Pakistan relations, the visit was primarily focused on multilateral discussions within the SCO framework.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s appearance at the summit drew attention both for his statements and his notable fashion choice of sunglasses, which became a viral moment symbolizing India’s perceived confidence in its dealings with Pakistan. His visit was widely viewed as a commitment to the SCO’s multilateral engagements rather than a move towards warmer bilateral relations with Pakistan.

The SCO, established in 2001, includes significant member states such as Russia, China, India, and Pakistan, and aims to tackle regional security challenges, including terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Jaishankar emphasized the organization’s foundational principles, underlining the necessity of peace and stability for development and growth. He stressed the importance of countering terrorism and extremism, indirectly pointing at concerns regarding state-sponsored terrorism, a diplomatically loaded term often associated with Pakistan-based groups.

Jaishankar also addressed the need for cooperation based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, subtly referencing the contentious issue of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This stance aligns with India’s refusal to endorse China’s “One Belt One Road” initiative, marking a significant divergence within the SCO membership.

The summit’s discussions underscored enduring complexities within the SCO, with member countries prioritizing national interests over collective action against terrorism. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to improving connectivity and socio-economic development across the Eurasian region, citing projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar Port project as examples.

While the summit concluded without major breakthroughs, minimal and cordial interactions between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, were noted. The exchanges, though limited, occurred in a context of recent changes in Jammu and Kashmir‘s local government, providing a glimmer of hope for thawed relations in less contentious areas like trade and sports, despite the broader geopolitical challenges.