India’s Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, has stated that New Delhi is ready to react positively to encouraging signals from Pakistan while also remaining vigilant against any adverse actions from across the border. His remarks, made at a recent private event in New Delhi, have added a layer of suspense regarding Pakistan’s invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad on October 15-16.
Jaishankar’s comments suggest a shift in India’s Pakistan policy, moving away from the era of “uninterrupted dialogue.” The Minister emphasized that India would not be passive and would respond accordingly, whether events take a positive or negative direction. He reiterated that “actions have consequences,” particularly addressing those supporting terrorism against India. The official response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs has been reserved, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirming the receipt of the invitation but withholding further updates on India’s participation.
Regional Relations Under Scrutiny
Jaishankar’s remarks come amidst evolving dynamics in India’s relationships with its neighbors, reflecting a complex geopolitical landscape. The Minister acknowledged that India’s ties with Pakistan have been strained, particularly since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The diplomatic fallout has been significant, with both nations not posting High Commissioners in each other’s capitals since the policy change.
Read More: Asna Moves Away, Heavy Rains Continue to Impact Sindh
India’s broader regional strategy is also facing challenges. Relations with traditional allies like Bangladesh are under strain, while ties with Sri Lanka and the Maldives require urgent attention. Nepal and Pakistan’s closer alignments with China further complicate India’s diplomatic outreach. Jaishankar underscored these complexities, stating that neighbors like China present a “double conundrum” as both a regional and a major global power.
A Strategic Crossroads
The upcoming SCO summit offers a crucial opportunity for India to recalibrate its foreign policy, particularly with Pakistan. The intergovernmental organization, established in 2001, includes nine member countries—China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—working together to promote cooperation and peace.
Jaishankar highlighted the contrasting dynamics between regional groupings such as SAARC and BIMSTEC, noting that overlapping identities and political tensions pose ongoing challenges for India’s regional relationships. He expressed hope for more constructive engagement, even as he signaled that India’s strategic posture would remain cautious and calculated.
In this context, some experts suggest that Modi’s attendance at the SCO summit could signal a willingness to engage diplomatically, potentially reviving multilateral cooperation in South Asia. However, this would require navigating a delicate balance between regional interests and pressures from Western allies.
Navigating Diplomatic Complexities
Looking beyond Pakistan, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of understanding the broader geopolitical landscape. He noted that India’s relationships with its neighbors are marked by both historical ties and contemporary political dynamics. “Major powers will always have an agenda that overlaps and diverges with ours,” he observed, particularly highlighting the nuanced challenges posed by China.
On Afghanistan, Jaishankar pointed to the strong “people-to-people” relations and existing goodwill towards India, but cautioned against being swayed by inherited wisdom, stressing the importance of clarity in India’s foreign policy. As India continues to navigate these regional complexities, the focus remains on maintaining a balanced approach that aligns with its national interests.