Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Conference

Not for India-Pak talks, but to attend the summit,” clarifies Dr Jaishankar

New Delhi – Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan on October 15^thand 16^th to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference. This marks the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nine years. The last visit was made by then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in 2015, when she attended a conference focused on Afghanistan- related issues. The upcoming visit is expected to center on multilateral discussions within the SCO framework.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will lead an Indian delegation to Pakistan on October 15^th – 16^th for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, confirmed External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that his visit is solely to attend the summit, clarifying, ” I am not going to Pakistan for India-Pakistan talks, but this visit will be limited to attending the summit.” Pakistan had extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi for a meeting in August, but in keeping with India’s commitment to the SCO, Dr. Jaishankar will represent the country. This participation is seen as an important step to enhance regional security cooperation within the SCO framework.

What is Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a political, economic, and security alliance comprising eight member countries: China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Established in 2001, the SCO has grown into one of the largest international organizations in terms of both population and geographic scope. The organization focuses on enhancing regional security, promoting economic cooperation, and fostering political stability. 3 of the world’s 10 largest economies—China, India, and Russia—are members, making the SCO particularly influential in shaping regional and global economic and security dynamics. The organization’s key areas of cooperation include counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and trade.