The 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) was held on 16 October 2024 in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Pakistan with Dr. S. Jaishankar. The SCO meeting is held annually and focuses on the trade and economic agenda of the Organization. The visit of Dr. S. Jaishanker, India’s EAM to Pakistan for the SCO meeting is a significant development. This marks the first high-level visit from India to Pakistan in years. The SCO meeting provides a platform for both countries to engage under a multilateral framework, without the focus being solely on bilateral issues.
In his address at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar extended congratulations to Pakistan for its presidency of the organization, highlighting India’s support for a successful term besides Calling for Unity, Respecting Sovereignty at the SCO Meeting.
Acknowledging the current global challenges, including two major conflicts, the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and financial and climate-related disruptions, Jaishankar emphasized the significance of cooperation based on mutual respect, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. He stressed the need for genuine partnerships rather than unilateral agendas.
Dr. S. Jaishankar called for an honest conversation among SCO members, referring to the organization’s Charter and its commitment to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He urged members to reaffirm their dedication to these goals, noting that peace and stability are essential for growth and development.
In his remarks, Dr. S. Jaishankar also highlighted India’s global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Global Biofuel Alliance, and underscored India’s national efforts in digital public infrastructure and women-led development.
Dr. S. Jaishankar reiterated the need for “reformed multilateralism,” including comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, making it more representative of developing nations. He called on SCO members to lead in advocating for this change.
The address concluded with a call for renewed resolve to meet the objectives of the SCO, emphasizing that the organization plays a key role in shaping global cooperation.
Though the visit was primarily for the SCO meeting, it raises questions about the potential for future dialogue between India and Pakistan. Given the deep-rooted mistrust, experts caution against expecting a breakthrough in bilateral relations immediately. However, the visit does provide a symbolic gesture that could pave the way for future diplomatic engagements.
India’s focus remains on resolving issues of terrorism and securing its borders, while Pakistan is likely to prioritize economic cooperation and international support on issues like Kashmir. The outcomes of the SCO meeting, while largely focused on regional issues, will indirectly influence the trajectory of India-Pakistan relations in the coming months.
The visit of Dr. S. Jaishankar EAM to Pakistan for SCO Meeting signals a rare moment of diplomatic engagement between the two countries. While the visit was rooted in multilateral cooperation, the broader implications for India-Pakistan relations cannot be ignored. With regional security and economic stability at the forefront of discussions, both nations have an opportunity to build on this platform, albeit cautiously.
