India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has confirmed that he will not hold bilateral talks with Pakistan during his upcoming visit to Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. His visit will focus solely on the multilateral event.

BulletsIn

• Jaishankar clarified no discussions with Pakistan during his visit to SCO in Islamabad.
• Emphasized focus is on being a member of the SCO, not on India-Pakistan relations.
• Added that as a courteous person, he will behave appropriately.
• Criticized Pakistan for derailing SAARC due to cross-border terrorism.
• Highlighted that terrorism is unacceptable and is the reason for the stalled SAARC meetings.
• Jaishankar’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2015 by then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
• First time in nearly 9 years that an Indian External Affairs Minister will visit Pakistan.
• India maintains no bilateral talks until Pakistan stops fostering terrorism.
• The SCO summit will be held in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024.
• Pakistan is hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government.