While there is no certainty which direction the meeting will go, there is no denying that efforts to restore diplomatic ties could result in improved trade relations and overall stability in the region
India will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting on 4-5th May 2023. The high-level representatives from developing nations will discuss economic security and cooperation. Bilawal Bhutto will be representing Pakistan, and it will be the first trip to India by a Pakistani foreign Minister since 2011.
This came about after lengthy internal discussions in which all parties—including the security establishment—agreed that the nation should not abstain from such an important forum.
“We knew India was going to be the president of SCO. We knew Pakistan would be invited as India had no option but to extend invitations to Pakistan for all the events,” a source familiar with the development told The Express Tribune.
Member states including Russia, China and certain Asian states are also expected to attend the meeting.
It’s an opportunity for both parties to be present on the same platform for dialogue and to extend an olive branch for amicable relations, especially given how strained relations between India and Pakistan have become since India annulled held Kashmir’s limited autonomy in 2019.
The SCO has the power to unite geopolitical rivals for the benefit of masses. For instance, despite having an unresolved border conflict with China, India submitted an application to join the group.
While there is no certainty as to which direction this will go, one thing is for sure efforts to restore diplomatic ties could result in improved trade relations, cultural exchange programs, and overall stability in the region, which is much needed and critical for both.
