Jaishankar's Visit Highlights India's SCO Commitment

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, marking the first visit by an Indian minister to Pakistan in nine years. His presence highlighted India's commitment to the SCO, despite strained relations with Pakistan, largely due to cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of mutual respect, territorial integrity, and countering terrorism for regional cooperation. While he engaged in informal conversations and a brief handshake with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, no formal bilateral meetings were held. This visit reflects India's firm stance that dialogue with Pakistan cannot progress without addressing terrorism. The summit also saw India advocating for multilateral cooperation on issues like digital inclusion and climate-resilient agricultural practices.