Despite the ongoing tense relations between Pakistan and India, an unexpected development has come to light, where Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met and both shook hands. Political observers are calling this meeting surprising. According to sources, this meeting took place in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, when both the leaders were present to attend the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
It is reported that Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar himself went ahead and met Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, where a brief but pleasant conversation took place. According to reports, this contact is the first direct meeting between high-level leaders of the two countries after the Indo-Pak war in May. It should be noted that relations between Pakistan and India have been severely strained since the May war and political and diplomatic relations between both sides have been almost suspended. India had even stopped its cricket team from shaking hands with Pakistani players, although this ban was not seen in other sports. It should be noted that Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar also attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting held in Pakistan last year, where he met Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is the meeting between India’s Foreign Minister and Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker considered surprising?
The meeting is seen as surprising because relations between Pakistan and India have remained highly tense since the Indo-Pak conflict in May. High-level political contact between the two countries has been extremely limited, making this handshake and interaction unexpected.
Q2: Where did the meeting between S. Jaishankar and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq take place?
The meeting took place in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, where both leaders were present to attend the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Q3: Who initiated the meeting between the two leaders?
According to reports, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar himself approached and met Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
Q4: What was discussed during the meeting?
Sources indicate that the interaction was brief and cordial. No official details of the conversation have been disclosed, and it is believed to have been a courtesy exchange rather than formal talks.
Q5: Is this the first high-level contact between Pakistan and India after the May conflict?
Yes, this is being described as the first direct meeting between senior leaders of both countries since the Indo-Pak war in May.
Q6: How have Pakistan-India relations been since the May war?
Relations have remained severely strained, with diplomatic and political engagement largely suspended. Even symbolic gestures, such as handshakes in sports events, have reportedly been restricted by India in certain cases.
Q7: Has S. Jaishankar visited Pakistan recently?
Yes, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Pakistan last year, where he met Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Q8: Does this meeting indicate a possible improvement in Pakistan-India relations?
While the meeting is noteworthy, political analysts caution against reading too much into it. It appears to be a diplomatic courtesy rather than a sign of immediate improvement in bilateral relations.
