ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has confirmed that it will participate in an international counter-terrorism exercise in India later this year, despite tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The Express Tribune reported that the anti-terrorism exercise is scheduled to be held under the banner of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Haryana’s Manesar in October.
Pakistan and India are part of the regional body which also includes China, Russia and the Central Asian Republic (CAR).
As reported by The Express Tribune, Pakistan and Indian troops have taken part in an anti-terrorism exercise together, but this will be the first time that Pakistan will participate in such an exercise in India.
At the weekly briefing, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Asim Iftikhar confirmed Pakistan’s participation.
“Yes, the SCO exercise will take place under the purview of RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure),” the spokesman said. He said that India is chairing the SCO RATS this year.
“These exercises are scheduled to be held in India in October at Manesar, and since Pakistan is a member, we will participate in it,” he confirmed.
“I guess at what stage, when we get back to him, we’ll let you know,” the spokesperson said.
This step will be considered important in view of the increasing tension between the two countries.
Pakistan downgraded its ties with India after New Delhi revoked the illegally occupied Kashmir region’s special status in August 2019.
Since then, there have been no structured talks between the two sides, although backchannel talks renewed the ceasefire agreement in February last year.
The truce is still there but there is no sign of any progress or deterioration in the relationship. As reported by The Express Tribune, the backchannel talks have ended and the two sides stick to their respective stances.
There was renewed optimism for a possible success after a change of government in Pakistan in April. There was a quick exchange of words between Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, but things did not move forward.
The two leaders will have at least two opportunities in the coming weeks for possible talks. Both Modi and Shahbaz will first attend the SCO summit in Samarkand and then the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.
Asked to comment on the possibility of a Modi-Shehbaz meeting, the FO’s spokesperson said, “The SCO is meeting in Samarkand in mid-September.