25th SCO Summit 2024: S. Jaishankar’s Visit to Pakistan

SCO Summit 2024 Overview

• Islamabad to host the 25th SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Summit on October 15-16, 2024.

• Theme: "Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue—Striving Towards a Sustainable Peace and Prosperity".

• Pakistan, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, chairs the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG).

• Key participants include leaders from China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.

• Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit marks the first high-level Indian official visit to Pakistan in nearly nine years.

SCO Background and Objectives

• Established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China.

• Expanded to nine member countries with India and Pakistan joining in 2017.

Primary Goals:

• Strengthen mutual trust and cooperation among member states.

• Promote collaboration in political, economic, cultural, and security domains.

• Ensure regional stability and security through collective efforts against terrorism and extremism.

• The governance structure includes the Heads of State Council (HSC), Heads of Government Council (HGC), and Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).

• Focus on enhancing regional security, economic cooperation, and combating terrorism.

Summit Agenda and Key Issues

• Combating terrorism: Addressing cross-border terrorism and enhancing security cooperation

• Economic collaboration: Promoting trade and investment initiatives, including India's "Make in India" program

• Climate change and environmental protection: Emphasizing sustainable practices and climate-resilient infrastructure

• Regional stability and security: Reviewing the organization's activities and strategizing for future cooperation

• Strengthening multilateral dialogue: Fostering cooperation amid rising global tensions

India-Pakistan Relations and Summit Dynamics

• Tensions remain high due to the 2019 Pulwama attack and subsequent events

• Both countries have ruled out bilateral talks during the summit

• Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanged greetings at an informal dinner

• Former Pakistani leaders express hope for improved relations:

  • Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged bilateral talks, acknowledging terrorism as a shared concern

  • Anwaar-ul-Hq Kakar noted a "deep appetite" in Pakistan for improved ties with India

• India maintains its stance on addressing cross-border terrorism as a prerequisite for better relations

• The summit provides a platform for multilateral engagement despite bilateral challenges

Final Thoughts

The 25th SCO Summit in Islamabad presents a vital opportunity for member nations to strengthen regional cooperation, address shared security and economic challenges, and promote sustainable peace across South Asia.

While India and Pakistan maintain a cautious distance on bilateral issues, the summit underscores the importance of multilateral dialogue in navigating complex geopolitical dynamics and fostering collective progress.