India, Pakistan to resume talks on Kashmir and terrorism

Islamabad: In a major breakthrough in their often stormy relationship, India and Pakistan Wednesday agreed to put all issues on the table under a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue, to replace the Composite Dialogue, during Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Islamabad.

In a joint press conference with Pakistan PM’s foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz here, Ms Swaraj said all pillars of the Composite Dialogue will be part of the new Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue, and more things can also be added to it.

Ms Swaraj said the foreign secretaries of the two nations will decide the modalities. “We have dec-ided that the foreign secretaries of the two countries will work out the schedule and modalities of the talks,” she said at the brief meeting with journalists.

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She made no mention of the proposed cricket series between the two countries, about which there had been much speculation lately, amid reports that it had been put on hold for the time being.

In a joint statement issued later, Ms Swaraj and Mr Aziz condemned terrorism and resolved to cooperate to end it.

“They noted the successful talks on terrorism and security-related issues in Bangkok by the two NSAs and decided that the NSAs will continue to address all issues connected to terrorism. The Indian side was assured of the steps being taken to expedite the early conclusion of the Mumbai trial,” it said.

“Both sides, accordingly, agreed to a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue and directed the foreign secretaries to work out the modalities and schedule of the meetings under the dialogue, including peace and Security, CBMs (Confidence-Building Measures), Jammu & Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project, Economic and Commercial Cooperation, Counter-terrorism, Narcotics Control and Humanitarian Issues, People to People Exchanges and Religious Tourism”, the statement added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ms Swaraj called on pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and attended the Heart of Asia summit that was jointly hosted by Pakistan and Afghanistan. The meetings with the PM and Mr Aziz were considered crucial as many long-standing issues were discussed.

Mr Sharif, officials said, reiterated his determination of having friendly relations with all neighbouring countries, and said all disputes should be resolved through dialogue.

Ms Swaraj also confirmed that Indian PM Narendra Modi will visit Pakistan for the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation summit expected to be held in September 2016.

Separately, on Wednesday, Ms Swaraj said India was prepared to move “our cooperation at a pace which Pakistan is comfortable with”. Addressing the “Heart of Asia” 5th Ministerial Meeting on Afghanistan, she extended her hand of frienship to Pakistan as well, urging both sides to display maturity and self-confidence to do business with each other and strengthen regional trade and cooperation. “The entire world is waiting and rooting for a change. Let us not disappoint them,” she said.

Ms Swaraj added: “For its part, India is prepared to move our cooperation at a pace which Pakistan is comfortable with. But today, let us at least resolve to help Afghanistan — in the best tradition of good neighbourliness — through more effective transit arrangements.”

She said Afghanistan was threatened most by terrorism and not tribal or ethnic rivalries. “In the last few months, terrorism in Afghanistan has grown in both in intensity and scope. Terrorists have made concerned efforts to capture and hold territory, reminding us that they have not changed,” she maintained.

She lauded the Afghan national security forces and the Afghan people for countering the forces of terrorism and extremism with courage and resilience. Mr Swaraj said: “They need the continued support of the international community to defend Afghanistan’s unity and security. For its part, India is ready to work with Afghanistan to strengthen its defensive capability.”

She stressed it was the collective duty of all to ensure that the forces of terror and extremism do not find sanctuaries and safe havens in any name, form or manifestation. “We, in Afghanistan’s proximity, have a particular responsibility... An end to terrorism and extremism, and adherence to internationally accepted redlines are essential for reconciliation and lasting peace in Afghanistan,” she added.

She said India’s vision of “Heart of Asia” was one of inter-linked trade, transit, energy and communication routes, with Afghanistan as an important hub. “The Heart of Asia cannot function if arteries are clogged”, she said.

The minister remarked nothing can benefit Afghanistan more than full, direct overland access to Indian markets, adding India is willing to receive Afghan trucks at Attari. “We are willing to join the Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade & Transit Agreement,” she added.

Ms Swaraj ended her address by inviting delegates to the 6th ministerial of the Heart of Asia Istanbul Process to be held in India in 2016.