Tianjin, China | July 15, 2025 — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened a high-profile meeting of foreign ministers in Tianjin, China, on July 15, 2025 for regional cooperation. The conference witnessed active participation from all SCO member states, including Pakistan, China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar led the country’s delegation and actively engaged in a series of significant diplomatic meetings aimed at fostering regional peace and strengthening bilateral ties.
Ishaq Dar Meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing
Before the official commencement of the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting in Tianjin, Ishaq Dar met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the grand Beijing Hall. President Xi warmly received the Pakistani foreign minister and appreciated Pakistan’s continued support for regional cooperation under the SCO framework. During their discussion, both leaders underscored the importance of deepening mutual trust and enhancing regional cooperation to promote long-term stability and economic prosperity.
The Chinese President stressed that strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and China remain a cornerstone for peace and development in the region. In response, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other joint initiatives. This strategic meeting laid the groundwork for broader discussions at the SCO platform.
Pakistan-Iran Discuss Trade, Energy, and Defense Cooperation
Simultaneously, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a crucial meeting with his Iranian counterpart Syed Abbas Araqchi on the sidelines of the SCO summit. The two leaders discussed advancing cooperation in key sectors including trade, energy, and defense. This meeting reflected the growing warmth in Pakistan-Iran relations, with both sides agreeing to expedite previously agreed-upon projects and explore new avenues for collaboration.
Notably, the two foreign ministers emphasized the strategic need for enhanced regional cooperation to counter shared security threats and ensure the uninterrupted flow of trade and energy resources. The dialogue also focused on regional connectivity and cross-border development, showcasing Pakistan’s active diplomacy under the SCO framework.
No Formal Meeting Between Pakistan and India, But Symbolism Matters
Among the highlights of the SCO meeting was the rare appearance of both Pakistani and Indian foreign ministers at the same international forum. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar participated in the summit amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, and India and China.
Although the two ministers did not hold a formal bilateral meeting, their presence together at the SCO forum carried significant symbolic value. Analysts noted that this marks the first time since recent Pak-India tensions that their top diplomats have appeared together internationally. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to China, his first since 2020 comes at a sensitive time when border tensions between the two nations persist in eastern Ladakh.
Experts believe that while there was no official engagement, the SCO platform offers a subtle opportunity for backchannel diplomacy and confidence-building, which are essential for long-term regional cooperation and conflict de-escalation.
Ishaq Dar Engages With SCO Foreign Ministers to Boost Diplomacy
Throughout the conference, Ishaq Dar actively engaged with several key foreign ministers, including those of Russia, China, and Iran. These interactions centered around promoting bilateral relations, enhancing diplomatic dialogue, and strengthening multilateral cooperation through the SCO.
Dar emphasized that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization remains a vital platform for resolving disputes peacefully, fostering mutual respect, and encouraging economic collaboration across Eurasia. Although no formal talks occurred between Pakistan and India, Dar’s meetings with China, Russia, and Iran underscored Pakistan’s broader strategic interests and commitment to regional cooperation.
Moreover, all SCO member states collectively expressed a renewed commitment to peace, stability, and development. The Tianjin meeting reiterated the organization’s relevance in addressing pressing regional issues, from border disputes to energy security and counterterrorism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Tianjin served as a dynamic platform for member states to reaffirm their commitment to regional cooperation and peaceful diplomacy. Ishaq Dar’s active participation, coupled with his bilateral meetings with leaders from China, Iran, and Russia, reflected Pakistan’s strategic intent to foster greater economic, defense, and political collaboration in the region. As regional tensions linger, platforms like the SCO remain essential for dialogue, understanding, and sustainable peace across Asia.
