EAM Jaishankar Reaches Islamabad for 23rd SCO Summit: No Bilateral Talks Planned

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, landed in Islamabad on Tuesday to participate in the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG). The summit, which is set to officially begin on Wednesday, is being hosted by Pakistan amid strict security measures, marking a critical gathering of the member states.

SCO summit 2024 Focus on Trade and Economic Agenda

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the primary focus of the summit will be to discuss the trade and economic cooperation agenda under the SCO framework. The official statement from the MEA highlighted, "The 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government will be held on October 16, 2024, in Islamabad under Pakistan’s chairmanship. The SCO CHG meeting is held annually, concentrating on economic cooperation and trade issues."

India’s active engagement within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) framework is a key aspect of this visit, reaffirmed by External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar’s participation. He is leading the Indian delegation, underscoring India’s commitment to the organization. The MEA further stated, "India remains actively engaged in various initiatives and mechanisms under the SCO format."

No Bilateral Talks with Pakistan

Prior to his departure, Jaishankar clarified that his visit to Islamabad is purely for the SCO summit and should not be interpreted as a platform for bilateral discussions with Pakistan. "This visit is not about India-Pakistan relations; it is about being a good member of the SCO," Jaishankar emphasized, distancing the trip from any bilateral diplomacy.

Jaishankar’s statement was a clear message to the international community, indicating that while India continues to participate in multilateral forums like the SCO, it remains cautious about its diplomatic stance toward Pakistan, given the long-standing issues between the two neighbors.

Security Tightened in Islamabad

With the arrival of foreign dignitaries, including heads of government from various SCO member states, security measures in Islamabad have been significantly ramped up. The Pakistan Army, alongside Rangers and over 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel, has been deployed to safeguard the summit.

The authorities have placed extra security emphasis around key government buildings and the Red Zone, an area in Islamabad where critical infrastructure and diplomatic enclaves are located.

Businesses in Islamabad and the nearby city of Rawalpindi have been temporarily shut down to minimize risks. Several major routes throughout the capital have been closed off to manage the movement of delegations.

Approximately 900 delegates are expected to attend the summit, with arrangements made for their accommodation in 14 secure locations. To ensure smooth transportation, a fleet of 124 vehicles has been organized, with 84 cars allocated for heads of state and 40 vehicles reserved for other delegates.

Pakistan’s Role as Host

This year’s SCO CHG meeting marks an important moment for Pakistan as it assumes the role of chair. Despite regional tensions, Pakistan is taking a prominent position within the SCO, emphasizing its commitment to economic and trade cooperation among member states. Hosting the event has allowed Pakistan to showcase its security infrastructure, as it takes measures to ensure the safety of all attending dignitaries.

Conclusion:

The 23rd SCO summit in Islamabad marks a crucial moment for regional cooperation, with trade and economic collaboration taking center stage. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s participation reaffirms India's active engagement within the SCO framework, while his clear stance on not pursuing bilateral talks with Pakistan keeps the focus strictly on multilateral discussions.

As security remains a top priority in Islamabad, the gathering is expected to foster important economic and trade decisions among SCO member states. Pakistan’s role as the host underscores its commitment to strengthening ties within the region, despite ongoing geopolitical challenges.