ISLAMABAD – Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar wrapped up Pakistan visit after attending Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in federal capital Islamabad.
Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their warm hospitality during his visit.
Before his departure, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also met Jaishankar in what is said to be an informal meeting during a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at SCO summit. The meeting, arranged at India’s request, involved a changed seating arrangement to facilitate dialogue.
The agenda of their talks has not been shared with media, while it highlights a potential willingness for dialogue between the two nations amid ongoing tensions.
In his address at the SCO meeting, Jaishankar emphasized the need for both nations to reflect on their friendship and the state of good neighborliness. He stated, “An honest conversation is essential,” highlighting that issues such as trust and cooperation are crucial for progress.
He mentioned extremism, and separatism as significant barriers to trade and people-to-people relations. He noted that if cross-border activities are characterized by these “three evils,” they will impede trade, energy flows, and connectivity.
His visit indicates a desire for constructive dialogue between Asian nation, despite ongoing challenges in their relationship.