External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his day in Islamabad with a peaceful morning walk at the Indian High Commission. Jaishankar, who is in Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, also took time to plant a sapling as a symbol of environmental commitment. This visit marks a significant moment, as Jaishankar is the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nine years.
S Jaishankar SCO Summit Updates: S Jaishankar’s Historic Visit to Pakistan: A Quiet Start Ahead of the SCO Summit
Wearing a bottle-green t-shirt and track pants, Jaishankar shared a picture of himself on social media walking alongside diplomats from the Indian High Commission. He tweeted, “A morning walk together with colleagues of Team @IndiainPakistan in our High Commission campus.” His calm morning in the diplomatic setting reflected a sense of quiet diplomacy amid the tense political backdrop.
S Jaishankar SCO Summit Updates
Later, Jaishankar planted an Arjuna sapling on the High Commission’s premises, symbolizing India’s commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives. In a tweet, he wrote, “An Arjuna sapling at @IndiainPakistan premises is another commitment to #Plant4Mother,” adding a personal touch to his diplomatic engagement.
Jaishankar’s presence at the SCO Summit in Islamabad is significant, as it is the first time in nearly a decade that an Indian External Affairs Minister has set foot in Pakistan. The last Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan was Sushma Swaraj in 2015. Despite the symbolic nature of this visit, no bilateral talks are scheduled between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar. Tensions between the two nations remain high, particularly concerning issues of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
On Tuesday, Jaishankar arrived at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, where he joined an informal dinner hosted by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Although there were no formal discussions, Jaishankar and Sharif exchanged greetings, marking a rare moment of cordiality amidst strained ties. The Indian government has been firm in its stance that terror and dialogue cannot go hand in hand, emphasizing that bilateral talks can only resume when a conducive atmosphere is created.
Jaishankar’s presence at the SCO Summit is crucial, as the event brings together key leaders from member states, including China, Russia, and Central Asian nations. The summit will take place at the Jinnah Convention Centre, with leaders like Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin attending.
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FAQs
1. Why is Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan significant?
Jaishankar’s visit is significant as he is the first Indian External Affairs Minister to visit Pakistan in nine years, marking an important diplomatic moment.
2. What did Jaishankar do upon his arrival in Islamabad?
He began his day with a morning walk at the Indian High Commission and planted a sapling to symbolize environmental commitment.
3. Will there be bilateral talks between India and Pakistan during the summit?
No, there are no scheduled bilateral talks between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart due to ongoing tensions.
4. What is the purpose of the SCO Summit?
The SCO Summit brings together leaders from member states to discuss regional cooperation, security, and economic development.
