Islamabad – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday, marking a significant diplomatic visit as he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting. This is the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nine years, highlighting the importance of India’s role in regional diplomacy.

Jaishankar was welcomed by senior Pakistan foreign ministry official Ilyas Nizami at the Wagah border. His visit follows in the footsteps of the late Sushma Swaraj, who visited Islamabad in 2015 for the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference. The current visit occurs amid heightened security and tense relations between India and Pakistan.

India’s Critical Role in the SCO

India plays a crucial part in the SCO, focusing on key areas like counterterrorism, regional security, trade, and cultural cooperation. As a major player in South Asia, India’s participation ensures balanced discussions, particularly in the context of regional stability and economic growth. Jaishankar’s presence reinforces India’s commitment to these goals as the SCO tackles global challenges like climate change and connectivity.

High Security Surrounds SCO Meet in Islamabad

The SCO summit is taking place in Islamabad under heavy security, as the city remains on lockdown due to ongoing protests by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Markets and offices are closed, with military forces securing key zones, including the Red Zone and the Parliament. The government has declared a three-day public holiday to ensure the smooth conduct of the summit.

While no bilateral talks between India and Pakistan are planned, Jaishankar’s presence at the summit after nearly a decade underscores the significance of multilateral cooperation in addressing regional issues through platforms like the SCO.