ISLAMABAD, (TDI): A handshake that shakes everything. In a historic moment amid ongoing tensions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar exchanged a handshake during a dinner hosted for leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad.
This marked Jaishankar’s first visit to Pakistan as foreign minister, the first by an Indian official in nearly a decade, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
The 23rd meeting of the SCO’s Council of Heads of Government is taking place in Islamabad, accompanied by strict security measures to ensure a smooth event.
Jaishankar arrived just before 3:30 PM at an airbase near the capital, where he was warmly welcomed by children presenting bouquets of flowers.
The SCO summit, a major Eurasian political and security forum established in 2001 by Russia and China, is one of the highest-profile events Pakistan has hosted in years.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead the high-level discussions, which include participation from prime ministers and high-ranking officials from SCO member states.
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The meeting features representation from key nations, including China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Additionally, Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and India’s Foreign Minister Jaishankar are participating.
Special guests include the Prime Minister of Mongolia and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan.
As delegations arrived, Islamabad showcased its hospitality with colorful lights, floral decorations, and flags from SCO member states adorning the capital.
A red carpet was rolled out to honor the guests, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic gathering. Children dressed in traditional attire welcomed dignitaries with flowers, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
While the handshake between Sharif and Jaishankar was a notable gesture, both sides have clarified that no bilateral meeting is planned during this summit.
Relations between Pakistan and India have been largely strained since 2019, when Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties following India’s revocation of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
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As the summit unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this historic encounter can pave the way for future dialogue between the two nations, as leaders from across the region convene to discuss pressing issues and enhance cooperation within the framework of the SCO.
