Summary
On December 31, 2025, India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar shook hands with Ayaz Sadiq, Pakistan's National Assembly speaker, during a gathering in Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking a rare moment of goodwill between the two countries. This gesture comes amid ongoing tensions following recent military conflicts and political disagreements. Some see the handshake as a potential sign of easing hostility between India and Pakistan.
Key Facts
- India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met Ayaz Sadiq, Pakistan's National Assembly speaker, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- The meeting took place during events surrounding the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
- Jaishankar’s handshake with Sadiq was public and witnessed by diplomats from several South Asian countries.
- This gesture followed a period of high tension, including a four-day aerial conflict between India and Pakistan in May.
- The handshake contrasts with a recent refusal by India's cricket team to shake hands with Pakistan's team during an Asia Cup match.
- Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that India attributes to Pakistan.
- India recently withdrew from the Indus Waters Treaty, which concerns shared river resources with Pakistan.
- Some observers hope the handshake could signal a slight improvement in the strained relationship between the two countries.
