EAM Jaishankar’s Historic Visit to Pakistan for SCO

Why in the news?

EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar visits Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, marking the first high-level Indian visit to Pakistan in nine years.

EAM Jaishankar's Historic Visit to Pakistan for SCO

Highlights of the EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar’s Visit to Islamabad:

  • Purpose: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will visit Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
  • Duration: The visit is scheduled for two days.
  • Historical Context: This marks the first high-level visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in nine years.

Remarks on Bilateral Talks

  • Minister’s Statement: Dr. Jaishankar emphasised that his visit is solely for a multilateral event and ruled out the possibility of bilateral discussions during this trip.
  • Significance: The visit underscores India’s engagement in regional multilateral platforms while maintaining a clear stance on bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO):

  • Established: Founded in 2001 by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
  • Core Value: Shanghai Spirit emphasises mutual trust, benefit, equality, consultation, and respect for cultural diversity.
  • Main Objectives: Strengthen relations among member states.
  • Promote cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and environmental spheres.
  • Safeguard regional peace, security, and stability.
  • Create a democratic and equitable international political and economic order.

Composition:

  • Members: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan.
  • Observers: Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia.
  • Dialogue Partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Egypt, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.

Organisational Structure:

  • Council of Heads of State: Highest decision-making body, meets annually.
  • Council of Heads of Government: Discusses multilateral cooperation.
  • Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Coordinates foreign policy.
  • Secretariat: Administrative arm based in Beijing.
  • Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Coordinates efforts to combat terrorism.
  • SCO Business Council & Interbank Consortium: Promote economic cooperation and financial collaboration among members.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times