India knows there is trust, vision deficit with Pakistan: Nirupama Rao

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India knows there is trust, vision deficit with Pakistan: Nirupama Rao

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has acknowledged that some observers have a view that there is a trust deficit between India and Pakistan, and added that the last sixty years have had more than their share of bitterness, recrimination, mistrust, misunderstanding and miscommunication, where these two countries are concerned.

"India-Pakistan relations are, by virtue of a complexity that has grown, rather than diminished over the years, literally, a class apart. Theories about why such distances separate us, abound. Geographical contiguity and shared history, ethnic and linguistic affinities, and similar developmental challenges have not induced an inevitable congruity between our interests. That is the tragedy of our relationship," said Rao in her address at Afghanistan-India-Pakistan Trialogue organized by Delhi Policy Group.

Some also refer to a vision deficit, especially since India has over the years sought to spell out a broader vision of our relationship while a similar definition has not been easy for Pakistan to enunciate. Therefore, there is need for articulating a common definition of what kind of relationship we want for the future. The welfare of our millions should be the common denominator of our efforts," she added.

Nirupama Rao further said India's defence posture and capabilities are not of an offensive nature, and not targeted against any country, including Pakistan.

"We want to see a peaceful, stable, energy-secure and prosperous Pakistan that acts as a bulwark against terrorism for its own sake and for the good of the region. Asymmetries in size and development, should not prevent us from working together, building complementarities, and realizing a vision of friendly, bilateral relations," said Rao.

"There can be no better strategic restraint regime than greater economic and commercial integration; more and more people to people contacts and cultural exchanges, which lead to mutual understanding of each other's views. Here rests the key to bridging the trust and vision deficit," she added. (ANI)

 

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India appears to be altering its rhetoric to include Kashmir as India and Pakistan prepare to meet again - India Real Time - WSJ

Since the foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan met in New Delhi in February, the talks between the two nations have been characterized as a fresh start in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, which so significantly altered the landscape that what had been tried in the past appeared to be no longer workable or relevant.

The Indian side insisted that Pakistani action on terrorism be a precursor to meaningful talks and avoided specifically mentioning Kashmir as an issue on the table. Those were clear markers, it seemed, that February’s meeting was a discussion unlike others the two nations had in the past. This was, the Indians made clear, not a resumption of the so-called “Composite Dialogue” that was cut short by Mumbai.

But as the two countries prepare for a meeting of their foreign ministers in Islamabad next month, the Indian side appears to be adding some nuance to its previous rhetoric. It is no longer sounding like a government that’s going to hold up this process until it sees some major, tangible breakthrough on terrorism.

Consider the speech that Nirupama Rao, India’s foreign secretary, gave Sunday to the Afghanistan-India-Pakistan Trialogue organized by the Delhi Policy Group. She not only referred to the Composite Dialogue but cited the need to build on areas where it showed progress, including Kashmir.

“We appreciate the relevance and achievements of the Composite Dialogue, particularly in the period 2004-2008. During this phase, all issues of mutual concern, including Jammu & Kashmir, were discussed,” Ms. Rao said. “On Jammu & Kashmir, progress was made based on the common understanding that boundaries could not be redrawn but we could work towards making them irrelevant; and people on both sides of the LoC should be able to move freely and trade with one another.”

She added: “On the way forward, we have to build on these achievements. We also have to reaffirm the progress made through complex negotiations and dialogue through patient and unsung effort whether in the composite dialogue or back channel diplomacy, during this period. We must seek creative solutions.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs wasn’t immediately available for comment.

Ms. Rao did reiterate Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s words from his recent meeting in Bhutan with his Pakistani counterpart, Yousuf Raza Gilani: “Meaningful talks between the two countries, which can lead to a resolution of old issues, are possible only when Pakistan does not let its territory be used for acts of terror against India.”

Still, Kashmir looks to be moving back toward center stage both in terms of India’s relations with Pakistan as well as because of India’s efforts to further quiet its side of the border.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spent two days in Indian-controlled Kashmir last week and reiterated his offer that the government was prepared to talk to any group that was opposed to terrorism and violence, according to the AP. Mr. Singh’s offer was quickly rejected by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the moderate faction of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, the main separatist alliance.