Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan has expressed optimism about the potential for improved relations between Pakistan and India following a successful visit by India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. In a bid to move forward, Mr. Sharif suggested that the two neighbouring countries should “bury the past” and focus on building a better future. He applauded Mr. Jaishankar’s visit as a positive step and a promising opening for dialogue between the nations.
Mr. Sharif, who leads Pakistan’s ruling coalition and holds significant influence in the country, underscored the importance of engagement between New Delhi and Islamabad. He remarked that ongoing talks are crucial and hinted that a direct visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would have been even more impactful. Reflecting on a previous visit by Mr. Modi to Lahore in 2015, Mr. Sharif recalled the positive impact of such interactions on bilateral relations.
The recent visit by Mr. Jaishankar to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad marked a milestone as it was the first high-ranking Indian ministerial visit to Pakistan in almost a decade. The SCO summit, which included participation from top leaders of member states like China, Russia, Iran, and others, provided a platform for diplomatic discussions and regional cooperation.
In his remarks, Mr. Sharif urged both countries to set aside past grievances and focus on fostering good neighbourly relations. He highlighted the need for trade and people-to-people exchanges, suggesting that resuming economic activities and cultural exchanges could help ease tensions and build trust between India and Pakistan. Mr. Sharif also acknowledged the role of communication breakdowns in complicating relations, referencing past incidents involving inflammatory rhetoric from leaders.
Addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism, Mr. Jaishankar emphasised the importance of adhering to mutual commitments and countering extremist activities that hinder progress towards peaceful coexistence. He stressed the need for cooperation based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for a genuine partnership that transcends unilateral agendas.
As both countries navigate complex geopolitical challenges, the statements from Mr. Sharif and Mr. Jaishankar signal a renewed focus on dialogue and cooperation to address longstanding issues and pave the way for improved relations between Pakistan and India. Time will tell whether these efforts towards reconciliation and engagement will lead to tangible outcomes for the two South Asian neighbours.