Decision on Indo-Pak FS-level talks likely today

New Delhi: With less than 30 hours remaining for the Foreign Secretary level talks between India and Pakistan, the decision on talks would be taken later today after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s return from Paris.

External affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier Wednesday evening at his residence at 7RCR to discuss the future course of action with Pakistan.

Read: Five times when Pakistan dragged its feet, fuelling standoff with India

Last year on December 25, Prime Minister Modi in an unprecedented gesture had visited Lahore to wish Pakistan Prime Nawaz Sharif on his 66th birth anniversary, where it was decided to open up dialogues between two neighbours.

Read: Pathankot attack: Ready to respond to any threats, says Army chief

However, the fate of the impending Foreign Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan is clouded with a question mark, due to the recent terrorist attack at Pathankot air base which was carried out by six terrorists from across the border.

Immediately after the attack Pakistan PM Nawaz Sarif had assured India of a transparent investigation into the terrorist attack, which was allegedly carried out by militant outfit jaish-e-mohammed.

Read: Parliamentary panel to seek info from government on Pathankot attack

In this regard, Sharif appointed a six member high-level committee to probe into the Pathankot attack, understanding the international pressure.

And in a major development, Pakistan media on Wednesday reported that Jaish-e-Mohammed head Azhar massod has been detained Pakistan officials. However, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson stated that “We have not received official word on detention of Masood Azhar”.