Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s upcoming trip to India to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting is an opportunity for both countries to symbolically restart their dialogue process. However, it is essential to note that the SCO is not a forum for the resolution of bilateral disputes. Nonetheless, if the Pakistani and Indian foreign ministers exchange diplomatic pleasantries, it may help shift the bitter tone of their relationship.
The relationship between the two countries has been strained, primarily due to the Pulwama/Balakot affair and the downgrading of ties following India’s revocation of Kashmir’s limited autonomy in 2019. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be the first Pakistani foreign minister to visit India in over a decade, making his visit significant. Nevertheless, considerable obstacles remain in the way of improving bilateral relations, as both countries came close to war in 2019.
A neighbourly exchange between the top diplomats of both countries can pave the way for talks, perhaps under the Track II formula. Currently, a cold peace reigns in the region, but the events of 2019 showed that this uneasy calm can be shattered quickly. Trade, diplomatic, and cultural relations are practically frozen, further widening the gulf between the two countries.
While some in India may argue that they do not need Pakistan’s friendship, more level-headed Indians acknowledge that a state of perpetual conflict in the subcontinent is not sustainable. Therefore, both countries must work to restore full diplomatic relations by posting high commissioners in the respective capitals. Furthermore, steps need to be taken to re-establish trade ties and sporting and cultural exchanges. The convoluted visa regime should be relaxed to facilitate people-to-people visits, particularly to reunite members of divided families. Sports teams, especially in cricket, should play matches in each other’s cities, rather than searching for ‘neutral’ venues.
It may be challenging to begin the peace process realistically until a new government takes power in Islamabad, and Indian elections are held next year. However, small confidence-building measures can be implemented soon. Although no breakthroughs are expected in Goa, a pleasant change in direction and a more nuanced narrative are possible if both countries are willing to work towards it.
The SCO has great potential to bring geopolitical rivals together for the common good. India applied to join the bloc led by China, despite having a fractious border dispute with the latter. The promise of Eurasian economic and security integration is a strong pull factor. Let us hope that the SCO succeeds where SAARC has failed miserably.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s visit to India presents an opportunity for both countries to restart their dialogue process symbolically. While there are considerable obstacles in the way of improving bilateral relations, both countries must work to restore full diplomatic relations, re-establish trade ties and sporting and cultural exchanges, and relax the convoluted visa regime. It may take time to begin the peace process realistically, but small confidence-building measures can be implemented soon. The SCO has great potential to bring geopolitical rivals together for the common good, and it is our hope that it succeeds where SAARC has failed.