One of the narratives is that Pakistan being the host has to
extend the invitation to India, but the other narrative is that Modi should decline
the invitation and send foreign minister instead.
The two countries downgraded their diplomatic
ties in August 2019 and recalled their high commissioners. This is now the
longest period in peacetime that the two countries have been without their top
diplomats in each other’s capital.
SCO is a multilateral platform, but Modi’s presence in
Islamabad would nevertheless would be seen significant. If nothing else, the
sidelines of the SCO summit offer the two sides a chance to start talking about
talks.
It is a harsh reality that the hawks on both sides are not
interested in normalization of relationships. India considers itself a regional
super power, it has joined various economic cooperation groups, but seems least
interested in relations with SAARC members.
There is no denying that there are major differences between
the two countries, as well as the thorny disputes that they have fought many
wars on. There seems no hope of easing the tension, yet for a like SCO offers
opportunity to establish working relationships.
Pakistan made the first move in May last year when
then-foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari went to Goa to attend
the SCO’s Council of Foreign Ministers. Though the reception in India was far
from warm despite the significance of his visit, Bilawal’s presence sent a
positive signal that Pakistan remains open to engaging with New Delhi
diplomatically.
The SCO is a multilateral platform and, therefore, of
limited import as far as India-Pakistan ties are concerned. Still presence of
Indian delegates in Islamabad should bring some positivity. If nothing else,
the sidelines of the SCO summit offer the two sides a chance to start talking
about talks.
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