SCO summit likely eased Indo-Pak tensions: Indian journalist

**ISLAMABAD:** Following Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government Summit, discussions have emerged around a possible thaw in relations between Islamabad and New Delhi.  

India participated in the high-level summit by sending its External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who described the event as a "productive meeting" shortly after delivering his address on Wednesday.  

"Signed eight outcome documents. India made a positive and constructive contribution to the deliberations," Jaishankar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).  

The Indian minister also exchanged greetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon arrival at the Jinnah Convention Centre, just moments before the summit began.  

In his departure note, Jaishankar expressed gratitude towards the Pakistani prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and the government for their "hospitality and courtesies."  

**Diplomatic Observations**  
Geeta Mohan, executive editor of *India Today* and a diplomatic affairs expert, noted that Jaishankar’s visit was cordial from start to finish, marking a shift in the otherwise tense relations between the two countries.  

"There were no fireworks during the visit," she wrote, emphasizing that Jaishankar spoke about the importance of 'mutual trust,' 'friendship,' and 'good neighbourliness.'  

In an appearance on *Geo News*’ *Capital Talk*, Mohan highlighted that Jaishankar’s arrival and departure from Pakistan were accompanied by positive gestures. "We later learned that he had informal conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over lunch in the waiting room and in the hallways," she said.  

A video shared by *Geo News* captured Jaishankar and Ishaq Dar having what Mohan described as more than just a casual "chit chat" on the sidelines of the summit. "It’s important to understand what was discussed — it could mark the beginning of better relations," she added.  

**Key Issues Addressed**  
During his speech at the summit, Jaishankar alluded to concerns about cross-border terrorism, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) — though without directly naming Pakistan or China.  

Mohan further noted that government policies significantly influence bilateral relations. During former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tenure, ties between Pakistan and India became increasingly hostile. However, under the coalition government in 2023, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s visit to India for an SCO meeting, despite limited diplomatic engagement, marked a small step forward.  

Mohan suggested that the Sharif family’s diplomatic approach has contributed to easing tensions between the two rivals.  

**A Decade-Long Gap**  
Jaishankar’s visit was significant, as it was the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the visit as an "ice breaker," telling AFP, "Neither side requested a bilateral meeting, but I believe his arrival here is a positive step."  

"When leaders exchanged greetings and handshakes during the summit, it sent out a positive message globally," Tarar added.