ISLAMABAD: While a whole host of international leaders descended on the federal capital for the SCO summit, it was invariably the Indian foreign minister who remained the centre of attention.
From his arrival, handshake and exchange of few words with PM Shehbaz Sharif, and even a morning stroll around the Indian High Commission compound, all seemed to be more important than the activities of other guests.
The curt Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who rarely misses a chance to undercut Islamabad with his words and statements, displayed the diplomatic snide that has become his hallmark, when he used the otherwise multilateral forum of the SCO to take subtle digs at Pakistan.
Over lunch on Wednesday, Mr Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar exchanged a few words. Media reports immediately claimed that they were talking about cricket, but FM Dar did not respond when Dawn sought confirmation of this account.
On his way out, the top Indian diplomat — in a move that appeared to be more ‘optical than sincere’ — tweeted his gratitude for the hospitality and courtesy extended to him, addressing PM Shehbaz and FM Dar. But he didn’t come alone on this rare visit; the Indian external affairs minister’s excursion to Islamabad also provided a chance for several journalists from the neighbouring country to make the trek — a first for many of them.
