Diplomatic Protocols and SCO-CFM meeting in Goa.

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 states ;

'The person of a diplomatic agent shall be inviolable. He shall not be liable to any form of arrest or detention. The receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom or dignity.'

Good or at-least workable relations between states, especially neighbouring states is an important aspect of foreign policies of states all the world. Unfortunately, since independence (August 1947) of both Pakistan and India it has been a burning issue. Both sovereign states lack trust on each other and have also entered into two wars in last 75 years, other than skirmishes. Opportunities do come and provide the deck board to move on if not jump. SCO meeting at Goa was an opportunity to sit together and speak on burning issues. Regardless the outcome of stated agenda of the meeting, the *handing of a visiting Foreign Minister of a sovereign neighbouring counties by a trumpeted largest democracy of the world didn't would well.

Avoiding a hand shake, or displaying a negative body language, or calling a visiting dignitary as spokesman of terrorism, by a foreign minister with stature of Subrahmanyam Jaishankar showed much short of a civilised state.

Historically, Diplomatic Protocol involves etiquette on a local and international scale, and the practice of good manners on a daily basis. It evolved as a result of old traditions, when in the early days of civilization hospitality was extended to an arriving guest.

Diplomatic protocol determines the official and social rules in official diplomatic relations, defining a special etiquette within diplomacy and serving as objective guidance in diplomatic interaction between different actors in diplomacy.

'Courtesy, Respect and Professionalism are most important components of a diplomatic protocol' - Tomasz Orlowski Tip: See your country's diplomatic protocol written by your Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It will help you to get into a role of a diplomat.

As per former UK Ambassador Charles Crawford highlighting the sensitive relationship between the Hosts and Guests: 'Over the centuries, it became accepted that rulers would host permanent foreign legations to make the conduct of international business easier. In either case (visiting or permanent 'ambassadors') courtly rules evolved based on two simple and largely universal norms of human hospitality. Hosts have...