India's foreign secretary tells his Pakistani counterpart that terrorist incidents hamper path of peace process
The flash meeting of the foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan, on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference here remained inconclusive, with both sides engaging in plain speaking, accusation and counter-accusation. Neither any agenda was drawn up for the meeting, neither any decision was taken to lay a road map for the resumption of a "Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue" as agreed in December. India, however, indicated that onus on resumption of normal dialogue process was on Pakistan, emphasising the need for early and visible progress on the Pathankot terrorist attack investigation, as well as the Mumbai case trial.
While both sides exchanged ideas on taking the relationship forward and agreed to remain in touch, foreign secretary S Jaishankar clearly conveyed to his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry that his country cannot remain in denial mode on the impact of terrorism on the bilateral relationship. He said terrorist groups based in Pakistan targeting India must not be allowed to operate with impunity. Sources told dna, that Jaishankar while welcoming Chaudhry in his chamber in the south block frankly conveyed that terrorist incidents act as speed breaker and hamper path of peace process.
Replying to Pakistan’s accusations on India’s involvement in Balochistan with reference to arrest of alleged RAW official Kul Bhushan Jadav, sources said that Jaishankar firmly rebutted allegations and asked Pakistan foreign secretary, to tell him “which spy agency would put their agent in the field with their own passport and without a visa.”
During the meeting, India raised the issue of ‘abduction’ of Jadhav, saying he has been taken to Pakistan, and sought immediate consular access. This is for the first time India has categorically said Jadhav was abducted.
A statement issued by Pakistan, even when foreign secretaries had not yet emerged out of meeting, said Chaudhry brought up the issue of Kashmir emphasising that it remained the ‘core issue that requires a just solution in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and wishes of Kashmiri people’. Though, it was pointed out a breach of protocol, but the Pakistan High Commission officials, insisted that statement was issued after the meeting was over.
The statement by Pakistan also said, ‘In line with our PM’s vision of peaceful neighborhood, the foreign secretary underscored Pakistan’s commitment to have friendly relations with all its neighbours/India. All outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute were discussed.’ On Samjhauta Express blast, Chaudhry conveyed concerns ‘over efforts by Indian authorities for the release of the prime suspects. He further pointed out that, despite repeated requests India has not shared investigation reports of blasts, in which 42 Pakistanis had lost their lives.
The low-key meeting between the two foreign secretaries was supposed to restore the dialogue derailed by the Pathankot attack, but no timetable could be drawn up for further talks, except for exchanging "ideas on taking the relationship forward and remain in touch."
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "secretaries")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}