The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held on October 17 in Islamabad, marked a significant moment in India-Pakistan relations. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, made his first visit to Pakistan in nine years to attend the meeting, which included delegations from China, Russia, and six other member nations. While the summit saw cautious movement in the India-Pakistan relationship, it also underscored India’s firm stance on several geopolitical issues, especially its refusal to endorse China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
India-Pakistan Relations Cautious Progress
The SCO Charter’s key goals include promoting “mutual trust, friendship, and good neighbourliness” among its member states, as well as combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. These principles took center stage during Jaishankar’s address at the summit. In a subtle nod to Pakistan, he stressed the importance of fostering peaceful relations across borders, highlighting that activities characterised by terrorism, extremism, and separatism are unlikely to promote trade, energy cooperation, connectivity, and exchanges among people. Jaishankar’s remarks underscored India’s long-standing concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, a major sticking point in India-Pakistan ties. The summit did not see any formal breakthroughs in bilateral relations, but it created an opportunity for dialogue between the two neighbours. This cautious movement could pave the way for future talks on critical issues, including trade and cricket diplomacy, which have been points of contention for years.
India’s Dissent on the Belt and Road Initiative
One of the most significant aspects of the summit was India’s continued opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI, first announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, seeks to revitalise ancient trade routes by connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through infrastructure projects, such as roads, ports, and industrial corridors.
Pakistan, a key partner in the BRI through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is an enthusiastic supporter of the initiative. India, however, has consistently opposed the BRI on grounds of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as parts of the CPEC pass through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. During the summit, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s stance on the BRI, emphasising that cooperation should be grounded in mutual respect and the principles of sovereign equality. He asserted that it is essential to recognize territorial integrity and sovereignty, and that partnerships should be based on genuine collaboration rather than unilateral agendas.
India’s refusal to endorse the BRI sets it apart from other SCO members, who expressed their support for China’s initiative in the final joint communique. According to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, the communique reaffirmed support for China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative and emphasised ongoing work on joint projects. However, India chose not to endorse this document, signalling its firm stance against the BRI.
Voicing Concerns Over the Implications of Western Sanctions
Another significant theme of the summit was the critique of unilateral sanctions imposed by Western nations, particularly targeting Russia, Iran, and China. The joint communique emphasised that such sanctions conflict with international law and adversely affect third countries and global economic relations. These sanctions have severely impacted SCO members like Russia and Iran, restricting their trade opportunities and economic growth. For countries like Pakistan, the sanctions complicate trade relationships and expose smaller economies to potential repercussions from Western powers. Addressing these concerns, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for a more inclusive approach to economic initiatives like the BRI. He encouraged leaders to prioritise enhancing connectivity and collaboration for the region’s collective benefit, highlighting the need for a unified vision of economic integration.
China’s Economic Agenda
China’s Premier Li Qiang echoed Sharif’s sentiments during his address, though he refrained from directly naming the BRI. Li emphasised the need for continued cooperation to boost trade, investment, and connectivity within the SCO region. He also urged member states to maintain stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, a key concern for China as it faces economic challenges from Western tariffs and sanctions. Li Qiang’s call for openness and cooperation came at a time when China’s trade policies have come under increasing scrutiny, particularly from the United States and Canada. High tariffs on Chinese goods have been met with retaliatory measures from Beijing, complicating global trade relations. At the summit, China criticised these protectionist measures, arguing that they hinder the economic development of smaller nations that rely on trade with China.
Conclusion
The 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad was a crucial platform for dialogue on pressing geopolitical issues in the region. While no major breakthroughs were achieved, the summit facilitated cautious progress in India-Pakistan relations and highlighted India’s principled stand against China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The meeting also underscored the challenges faced by SCO member states due to Western sanctions and trade protectionism. India’s participation in the summit, despite its tensions with both Pakistan and China, reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral diplomacy within the SCO framework. As the region grapples with shifting power dynamics, platforms like the SCO will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of trade, security, and cooperation among its member states.
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