Foreign Secretary Jaishankar to travel to Pakistan next week

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will travel to Pakistan as part of his “Saarc Yatra” next month, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Tuesday.

Jaishankar’s tour to Islamabad, albeit as a part of his visits to capitals of all South Asian nations, is likely to end the latest hiatus in India-Pakistan diplomatic ties, as New Delhi indicated its willingness to discuss all issues with the neighbouring country’s government, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. His talks with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary may also lead to resumption of bilateral dialogue, which remained suspended since January 2013.

“In accordance with the Prime Minister’s directive, will be undertaking a ‘Saarc Yatra’  to all South Asian countries including Pakistan in March,” Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, revealed during a Q and A session on Facebook on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself on February 13 last revealed that Jaishankar, who took over as new foreign secretary last month, would soon undertake a ‘Saarc Yatra’.