The recent visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Islamabad for the SCO summit marked a significant departure from the usual acrimony that has characterized Pakistan-India relations in recent years. While no bilateral breakthrough was achieved, the mere fact that the two countries engaged in courteous exchanges was a positive development.
Jaishankar’s visit came amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. However, his interactions with Pakistani officials were marked by a notable lack of hostility. While he did address the issue of cross-border terrorism, his remarks were couched in diplomatic language, avoiding direct references to Pakistan. The absence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the summit, a decision that could have been interpreted as a snub to Pakistan, further softened the tone of the event.
The SCO, with the backing of China and Russia, has emerged as a platform for bringing together regional states, including India and Pakistan. This is in contrast to the moribund SAARC, which has been paralyzed by India’s refusal to engage with Pakistan. The Indian government’s decision to participate in the SCO summit, despite the strained bilateral relations, suggests a potential shift in its approach towards regional cooperation.
The joint communiqué issued after the summit reaffirmed the participants’ commitment to peaceful dialogue and the resolution of differences. This is a crucial step towards building trust and paving the way for future cooperation. While India’s hawks may dismiss the need for talks with Pakistan, the pursuit of regional integration and economic prosperity will ultimately require engagement with its neighbor.
The resumption of cricketing ties, a topic reportedly discussed during Jaishankar’s visit, could serve as a catalyst for improved relations. Restoring diplomatic channels and fostering people-to-people contact are essential for building bridges between the two countries.
While the road to normalization is long and fraught with challenges, Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad represents a tentative step in the right direction. The courteous exchanges and the reaffirmation of commitment to dialogue offer hope for a more peaceful and cooperative future in the subcontinent.
