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Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to Visit Pakistan Today

International Desk

  15 Oct 2024, 12:00
Photo: Collected

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan today, October 15, to attend a meeting of the regional bloc, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). During his visit, Jaishankar will join a dinner hosted by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

This visit marks the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan since 2015, when then-Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj attended a conference in Islamabad focused on Afghanistan. In 2016, then-Home Minister Rajnath Singh traveled to Islamabad for a SAARC meeting, which was the last time India participated in a multilateral event held in Pakistan.

According to The Hindu, Jaishankar’s visit carries symbolic importance, as it reflects India’s intent to prioritize diplomacy and multilateral dialogue over bilateral disputes. While in Islamabad, Jaishankar will have no choice but to attend the dinner hosted by PM Sharif, which will also be attended by Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

Though the official itinerary spans two days, Jaishankar’s actual stay in Pakistan will last less than 24 hours. Indian diplomats view this visit as a smart and strategic move by the Modi government. Recently, Jaishankar remarked that India seeks normal relations with Pakistan, just like with any other neighbor—but not at the cost of tolerating terrorism.

New Delhi emphasized that Jaishankar’s visit is rooted in India’s commitment to the SCO, sending a message that it prioritizes multilateral diplomacy over bilateral conflicts.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that no bilateral meeting between the two nations has been requested. "We have not received any request from the Indian Foreign Ministry, nor have we made any such request," Dar stated. However, as per protocol, Jaishankar will be welcomed along with other foreign dignitaries.

To ensure security for the SCO summit, Islamabad has implemented a lockdown and declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi. Section 144 has also been imposed in five districts to maintain order during the event.

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