EAM Jaishankar Meets Pakistan PM Sharif, Marking a Diplomatic Shift from Goa Tensions

EAM Jaishankar Meets Pakistan PM Sharif, Marking a Diplomatic Shift from Goa Tensions

In a significant diplomatic development, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of an international summit, signaling a notable departure from the acrimonious atmosphere witnessed during the Goa meetings earlier this year.

The cordial handshake between the two leaders has attracted attention, marking a thaw in the strained relations between the neighboring countries. The encounter comes months after the Goa-hosted SCO summit, where sharp exchanges between Indian and Pakistani representatives reflected deep-seated tensions over longstanding issues.

While details of the conversation remain undisclosed, sources suggest that the meeting focused on regional stability, trade, and cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism and economic development. The handshake, symbolic of a potential recalibration of bilateral ties, has sparked optimism among analysts, who see it as a sign that both nations may be willing to explore pathways for dialogue.

The diplomatic gesture follows heightened tensions over Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and trade disruptions, all of which have fueled mutual distrust. However, the willingness to engage, even briefly, could pave the way for further diplomatic overtures in the near future.

This meeting, though brief, could indicate a softening of the hardline stances that both countries have taken in recent years, offering hope for a gradual rapprochement.