S. Jaishankar in Pakistan for SCO Summit, First Visit by Indian FM in 9 Years
For the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, high-level representatives from member countries have gathered in Islamabad. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, arrived in Pakistan for the summit, marking the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister in nine years. His arrival was met with a warm reception, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic engagement. Jaishankar's last visit to Pakistan was in 2015 when he served as Foreign Secretary. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally welcomed Jaishankar upon his arrival.
Landed in Islamabad to take part in SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting. pic.twitter.com/PQ4IFPZtlp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 15, 2024
On October 15, as Jaishankar landed at Noor Khan Airbase aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, he was greeted by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, Ilyas Nizami. In a gesture of goodwill, children also presented him with a bouquet, a moment Jaishankar later shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Indian Flag Waves Through Pakistan Streets
After his arrival, Jaishankar was escorted in a black Mercedes adorned with the Indian flag. That evening, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a dinner for all high-level delegates, including Jaishankar, where they were warmly received.
First Visit to Pakistan in 9 Years
India-Pakistan relations have been tense for several years, particularly over issues related to terrorism in Kashmir. The relationship hit a low point after the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the abrogation of Article 370. Jaishankar’s visit to the SCO Summit in Pakistan has sparked hopes of improving diplomatic ties between the two neighboring countries.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Welcome
Speaking to the Indian Express, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated, “He is our guest, and Pakistan has welcomed all the leaders who are attending the summit. Our hospitality for the Indian Foreign Minister and all other guests is for the world to see.”
The SCO Summit
Pakistan is hosting the two-day SCO summit on October 15 and 16, which Jaishankar is attending. The SCO includes countries such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. Collectively, these nations account for 40% of the world’s population and 30% of the global GDP. Security has been tightened for the summit, with police and military forces deployed throughout the capital to ensure the safety of foreign delegates.
