18-October-2024-Editorial

INDIA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS: POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS AT THE SCO SUMMIT

The recent SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad witnessed informal, positive exchanges between India and Pakistan’s leadership. Both sides took a more cooperative approach, aiming to improve their strained relations.

What is the SCO Council of Heads of Government?

The SCO Council of Heads of Government is the second-most important body of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, focusing on regional cooperation and setting economic and social priorities.

It serves as a platform for member nations to discuss regional issues and foster collaboration on shared interests.

Positive Developments Between India and Pakistan at the SCO Summit

Diplomatic Language

• Both countries avoided sensitive topics in their statements.
• Pakistan did not mention Kashmir, while India avoided directly referencing Pakistan when addressing cross-border terrorism.

Constructive Dialogue

• Indian representatives commended Pakistan for organizing a productive meeting, showing a willingness for positive engagement.

Focus on Regional Issues

• Topics like trade, connectivity, and regional stability were discussed, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation.
• Projects like the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) energy pipeline were discussed with other SCO members.

Economic Cooperation Initiatives

• Proposals for an Economic Dialogue Programme and measures to strengthen economic ties were presented.
• A joint statement underscored areas like green development, digital economy, and renewable energy as potential areas for mutual benefit.

Why Positive Developments are Important

Article 370 Revocation (2019)

• India’s decision to remove special status for Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 worsened relations.
• Pakistan views this move as illegal, leading to a significant diplomatic rift.

Downgrade of Relations

• In response to Article 370’s revocation, Pakistan reduced diplomatic relations with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in August 2019.

Indus Waters Treaty Disputes

• Conflicts over hydroelectric projects have intensified, with India seeking a review of the treaty, causing friction with Pakistan.

Limited Bilateral Trade

• Following the Pulwama attack in 2019, India withdrew Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status, further limiting trade.

How Multilateral Forums like SCO Can Help India and Pakistan

Neutral Grounds for Engagement

• Platforms like the SCO offer a neutral space for dialogue without the pressure of direct bilateral talks.
• These forums also allow informal discussions and track-two diplomacy, which can foster better relations.

Collaboration on Shared Issues

• SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) focuses on fighting terrorism and extremism, which aligns with both nations’ security concerns.
• Other areas like climate change and public health offer scope for cooperation.

Reducing Mistrust

• Multilateral settings with international presence can help ease tensions and keep communication open.
• For example, during the 1999 Kargil conflict, international mediation played a role in de-escalation.

Economic Opportunities

• Initiatives like the TAPI pipeline and proposed trade partnerships can build interdependence and foster cooperation even between adversaries.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• Foundation: Established in 2001, originating from the Shanghai Five mechanism, which included China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
• Objectives: To build mutual trust, promote regional stability, and encourage economic cooperation.
• Decision-Making Bodies:

·      Council of Heads of States: The main decision-making body.

·      Council of Heads of Government: Focuses on implementing cooperation strategies and budgetary decisions.

• Current Members: 10 countries, including recent additions Iran (2023) and Belarus (2024).
• Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Based in Tashkent, focuses on counter-terrorism initiatives.
• Partnerships: SCO collaborates with various organizations, including the United Nations, ASEAN, and CIS.

Conclusion

The positive interactions between India and Pakistan at the recent SCO summit underscore the potential for multilateral forums to ease tensions and foster collaboration. By focusing on shared regional goals, such platforms can pave the way for enhanced relations and greater stability in South Asia.