Pakistan’s recent invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad on October 15 presents a significant moment for regional diplomacy. As the date approaches, speculation mounts over whether Modi will personally attend or delegate a cabinet minister, a move reminiscent of the 2015 SCO summit when India was represented by then-Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj. The SCO, like other regional organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), was established to promote trade, economic relations, and regional cooperation among member states. Since its formation in 1996 by China and Russia, the SCO has expanded its membership, now including both Pakistan and India, which joined in 2017.
The organization’s growth underscores its significance as a platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation among some of the world’s most populous and strategically important nations. However, India’s participation in these regional forums has often been marked by a strategic ambivalence. While India has sought to assert its influence within the SCO, it has simultaneously exhibited reluctance to fully engage, particularly when issues like Kashmir are likely to surface. This cautious approach was starkly evident in India’s role in the SAARC, where it not only boycotted the summit held in Islamabad but also persuaded other member states to follow suit, effectively stalling the SAARC process. This pattern raises critical questions about India’s commitment to regional cooperation and its willingness to address contentious issues through dialogue.
The Kashmir issue remains a central point of tension between Pakistan and India, and it is a topic that India often seeks to avoid in multilateral settings. The possibility that Kashmir might be raised during the SCO summit in Islamabad could influence India’s decision on whether to send Modi to the meeting. By sidestepping such platforms, India risks being perceived as a nation unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue on matters crucial to regional stability. Pakistan, on the other hand, stands at a pivotal juncture. The invitation to Modi, whether accepted or not, is more than a diplomatic formality—it is a strategic move to engage India in discussions that could lead to a broader resolution of long-standing conflicts, including the Kashmir dispute. If India declines to participate, it would not only be a missed opportunity for dialogue but also a revelation of its hesitancy to confront difficult issues head-on.
For Pakistan, the upcoming SCO summit is an opportunity to amplify its stance on Kashmir and push for a lasting resolution that could pave the way for enhanced regional cooperation. In doing so, Pakistan can further expose India’s reluctance to engage in a transparent and open dialogue, thereby gaining moral and diplomatic leverage on the international stage. India’s decision will undoubtedly be scrutinized both regionally and internationally. If Modi opts to attend, it could signal a willingness to engage with Pakistan and other SCO members in a constructive dialogue, potentially easing tensions in South Asia. However, should India choose to send a lower-level representative or skip the summit altogether, it would reinforce perceptions of India’s avoidance strategy concerning Kashmir and other sensitive issues.
In the broader context of regional diplomacy, India’s approach to the SCO summit will be a litmus test of its commitment to regional peace and stability. Pakistan’s role, therefore, is to remain steadfast in its pursuit of dialogue and resolution, using every available platform to advocate for the peaceful settlement of disputes. By doing so, Pakistan not only upholds the principles of the SCO but also strengthens its position as a proactive and responsible member of the international community. In conclusion, the decision India makes regarding its participation in the SCO summit will carry significant implications for the future of regional cooperation. Pakistan, meanwhile, must continue to press for constructive engagement, recognizing that the resolution of conflicts like Kashmir is essential for achieving lasting peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the region.
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