Lahore: In a notable statement, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has expressed a strong desire to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the "not-so-distant future." Sharif’s remarks highlight his longstanding advocacy for improved relations between the two neighboring countries, particularly as India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar prepares to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad.

“I have always been a supporter of good relations with India,” Nawaz emphasized, expressing optimism that there may be an opportunity to rekindle ties. He remarked, "It would have been a great thing if PM Modi had also attended the SCO summit," reflecting on the significance of high-level meetings in fostering diplomatic connections.

Historical Context

The relationship between India and Pakistan has been fraught with tension, particularly following the 2019 Pulwama attack, which led to India's airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot. The diplomatic fallout escalated further after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, resulting in Pakistan downgrading diplomatic ties and suspending trade with India.

Despite these challenges, Nawaz Sharif has consistently advocated for positive engagement with India. Last year, he highlighted the importance of improving relations with neighboring countries, including India and Afghanistan. He has previously pointed out that both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi visited Pakistan during their terms as Indian Prime Ministers, indicating a precedent for diplomacy.

In May 2023, Nawaz publicly acknowledged Pakistan's violation of the 1999 Lahore Declaration, marking a significant shift in his attitude towards India. This acknowledgment has garnered attention and a constructive response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, suggesting a willingness to engage on these matters.

Jaishankar's Visit to Pakistan

As part of this evolving diplomatic landscape, S. Jaishankar is scheduled to land in Pakistan on Tuesday for the SCO Summit, marking the first high-level visit from India in nearly nine years. His attendance at the summit represents a potential thaw in the frosty relations between the two countries, particularly concerning the longstanding issues of Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.

Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khursheed Mahmood Kasuri has characterized Jaishankar’s visit as a "positive development," asserting that it could facilitate the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan. However, Jaishankar has clarified that his trip is primarily for a multilateral event, stating, "I’m not going there to discuss India-Pakistan relations. I’m going there to be a good member of the SCO."

Kasuri acknowledged the unpredictable nature of India-Pakistan relations, suggesting that while the visit is a step forward, the potential for unexpected turns remains. He expressed hope that resuming dialogue could restore people-to-people contacts and pave the way for the re-establishment of road, rail, and air links between the two nations.

Conclusion

As Nawaz Sharif's call for improved relations coincides with Jaishankar's visit to Pakistan, the prospect for dialogue between India and Pakistan appears to be cautiously optimistic. Both leaders' openness to engagement may signal a shift in the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, potentially leading to renewed discussions and collaboration.

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