By Diplomatic Corresspondent
In a noteworthy moment during the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar shared a brief exchange while welcoming international dignitaries. This marks a rare public interaction between leaders from the two rival nations, which have had limited diplomatic engagements in recent years.
Jaishankar’s arrival in Islamabad today marks the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade, underscoring the significance of this high-profile gathering. As part of the summit’s grand welcome, Islamabad rolled out the red carpet for several visiting premiers, including those from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. Security measures were heightened across the capital, which was adorned with vibrant lights, national flags, and floral decorations to mark the occasion.
The SCO, a prominent Eurasian security and political organization led by China and Russia, is seeing participation from member states, including Iran, which is represented by its First Vice President. Mongolia’s Prime Minister and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers are also attending as observers. This year’s summit focuses on cooperation across economic, trade, and environmental fronts, emphasizing the SCO’s growing role as a counterbalance to Western alliances.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, set to chair the SCO Council for the next year, welcomed each of the dignitaries personally. The summit, a three-day affair, will include discussions on strengthening socio-cultural ties among member states while reviewing the progress and future direction of the SCO.
