In News:

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2023.
• This marks the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan since Sushma Swaraj in 2015.

Context of the Visit:

• The visit is primarily for the SCO meeting, reflecting India's focus on regional cooperation mechanisms.
• No bilateral meetings have been scheduled as of now, although Jaishankar's presence is based on "reciprocity" following Pakistan's participation in an earlier SCO meeting in India.

SCO Overview:

• Established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai; evolved from the "Shanghai Five" formed in 1996.
• Original members included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and later Uzbekistan.
• Current members: India, Pakistan, Iran, and others, with Afghanistan and Mongolia holding Observer Status.

Significance of the SCO:

• Focuses on security cooperation, primarily among Asian nations.
• Seen as an alternative to Western international frameworks, especially with heavyweights like Russia and China positioning against US influence.
• India's inclusion alongside Pakistan in 2017 reflects the geopolitical jostling between Russia and China.

Geopolitical Dynamics:

• While SCO promotes cooperation, underlying tensions remain, particularly between India and Pakistan, and India and China.
• The organization has limited tangible outcomes due to member states' rivalries and differing interests.

India's Objectives in SCO:

• Provides a platform for enhancing relations with Central Asian countries, addressing common security concerns.
• Involves participation in the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.

India-Pakistan Relations:

• Jaishankar's visit is seen in light of ongoing tensions; India shares difficult relations with both China and Pakistan.
• India canceled a summit under its presidency last year, opting for a virtual format instead.

Implications for Regional Politics:

• The visit comes shortly after the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with potential implications for India-Pakistan ties.
• Despite attending the SCO meeting, there is little expectation of progress in the India-Pakistan peace process.
• Recent statements from the Indian government criticize Pakistan for hosting wanted individuals, reflecting ongoing diplomatic tensions.

Strategic Importance:

• Participation in SCO allows India to engage with key regional players, including Russia, China, and Central Asian leaders.
• The meeting serves as preparation for India's participation in upcoming BRICS discussions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these groupings.