The recent visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Islamabad for the SCO summit marked a significant departure from the usual acrimony that has characterized Pakistan-India relations in recent years. Jaishankar’s visit came amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Indian government’s decision to participate in the SCO summit, despite the strained bilateral relations, suggests a potential shift in its approach towards regional cooperation. The resumption of cricketing ties, a topic reportedly discussed during Jaishankar’s visit, could serve as a catalyst for improved relations. While the road to normalization is long and fraught with challenges, Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad represents a tentative step in the right direction.
