Indo-Pak FS talks in Delhi next month to chart dialogue path

An hour after landing in Islamabad, Sushma and the Indian team attended a dinner hosted by Aziz in honour of all delegates attending the Afghanistan conclave. Qazi M Khalilullah, spokesperson of the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, fished out the one-page document for the cameras.

The news came after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken at a quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad “agreed to work together to create conducive atmosphere that encourages Taliban groups to engage in meaningful and sustained negotiations”. The composite dialogue was stopped after the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. But it will have the same segments – terrorism, Kashmir, peace and security, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project, economic and commercial cooperation, counter-terrorism, narcotics control, humanitarian issues, people-to-people exchanges and religious tourism.

There, Pakistan had a special vegetarian section for the Indian delegation, and waiters handed entering Indian delegates plates with snacks from north India.

“The external affairs minister will make a statement on the floor of the house on Monday on India-Pakistan issues”, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy told the Lok Sabha.

The declaration further says that both countries have also agreed to continue dialogue on National Security Advisers (NSAs) levels.

Islamabad also assured New Delhi that steps were now being taken to expedite the speedy conclusion of the ongoing trial of individuals suspected in a string of attacks in Mumbai in 2009 that killed over 150 people.

Swaraj said that India and Pakistan should set aside decades of mistrust to invigorate the region’s economies and boost stability. Ms. Swaraj also received support from the Left leaders who have praised her diplomacy.

2015: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Ufa.

The adviser added that during Wednesday’s meeting, both sides had chose to continue that constructive engagement. However, he expression apprehensions over the expression “Comprehensive bilateral dialogue” used in the joint statement. It is justifiable to assume that the Pakistan side provided definite assurances on terrorism. So, it appears that they have accepted it as a challenge and are ready to accept it, and address.

Although Mr. Sharif sought to pursue this initiative after being elected prime minister in May 2013, Pakistan has withheld permission, making it conditional on the resumption of full-fledged bilateral dialogue by India, because of forceful opposition from the military. Modi is committed to visiting Pakistan next year for the SAARC summit. “Thoda bahut change aaya hai…” We’re deeply committed to the future of their nation just as we are to the future of its citizens. Speaking at the event, she extended a hand of friendship to Pakistan, saying that the two countries should display “maturity and self-confidence” to do business.

So today I want to commend Pakistan for its leadership in hosting the Heart of Asia Ministerial and also extend real appreciation to all of those who have taken part in the valuable discussions today.