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

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit will take place in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024. The summit aims to strengthen multilateral dialogue and promote sustainable peace and prosperity in South Asia.

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 comprises the Heads of State Council (HSC), the Heads of Government Council (HGC), and the 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.

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