Kashmiri Leaders Not a ‘Third Party’, Says Sharif

After going through several now-on, now-off moments, the NSA talks between India and Pakistan were finally called off on Saturday, with both sides sticking to their positions.

Holding that as a nuclear-armed country, Pakistan knew how to defend itself, Sartaj Aziz, the prime minister’s advisor on foreign affairs and national security, has accused India of acting like a regional superpower, a media report said on Monday.

The Express Tribune termed the cancellation of talks as blow to the efforts of normalisation of India-Pakistan ties. India did not set any preconditions. “We never thought so but now it appears so”, he said when asked by not categorically mentioning Kashmir in the Ufa statement, did Pakistan fall into “India’s trap”.

The collapse of planned peace talks between India and Pakistan hours before they were to start on Sunday has raised questions about the arch-rivals’ willingness to overcome mutual mistrust, built since their separation nearly seven decades ago. “If Sartaj Aziz decides to speak to the separatists before the NSA meeting, there will be no talks, ” said Swaraj.

“The NSAs will talk on all issues relating to terrorism“.

Stating that he wants to see both the countries walk the bridge of trust together, he urged Pakistan to respond to New Delhi’s warm gesture to engage in a meaningful dialogue so that hopes and expectations of the larger constituency of peace are addressed. The broader bilateral agenda agreed to in Ufa may push ahead. “And do come, you are welcome”.

Since the meeting between the two premiers in July, militant attacks and border skirmishes have poisoned the atmosphere between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Addressing a news conference in New Delhi yesterday, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had put forth two conditions for the talks.

In response to Ms Swaraj’s comments, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said: “The scheduled NSA-level talks can not be held on the basis of the preconditions set by India”.

The foreign office has also said terrorism was always on the agenda and there was every intention to discuss it, but this could not be the sole topic for talks, the daily said.

“India sticks to that agenda and that cannot not be changed”, he added.

Last year, India cancelled talks with Pakistan because of a meeting between Islamabad and Kashmiri separatist officials.