Indian External Affairs Minister to Attend SCO Meeting in Islamabad

NEW DELHI: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to participate in the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad, marking a significant diplomatic engagement amid strained bilateral relations with Pakistan. The meeting, under Pakistan's chairmanship, will take place on October 16 and focuses on enhancing regional trade and economic collaboration. According to Kuwait News Agency, a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that Jaishankar's visit is particularly notable as it is the first such high-level visit from an Indian official to Pakistan in nearly a decade. The relations between the two nations have been tense, especially after the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 in Indian-administered Kashmir by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which led to a series of diplomatic and trade suspensions. The SCO meeting aims to discuss and promote economic and trade agendas within the region, and India has expressed its commitment to actively contribute to the organization's initiatives and mechanisms. Jaishankar's itinerary includes arriving in Islamabad later in the day and attending a dinner party before formally participating in the council meeting on Wednesday.