(a) whether India and Pakistan recently held secretary level discussions in New Delhi;
(b) if so, the details and outcome thereof;
(c) whether any initiatives were taken to find an amicable solution for all the outstanding disputes between the two countries;
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the roadmap, if any, under consideration of both the countries in this regard; and
(e) the various steps contemplated for enhancing peace and bilateral relations between India and Pakistan?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) to (e) As part of the ongoing visit to SAARC member states (SAARC Yatra), Foreign Secretary visited Islamabad on March 3, 2015. During the visit India’s vision for transforming the SAARC region into a region of shared prosperity through deeper integration was conveyed and various ideas were discussed to take SAARC forward. Foreign Secretary also expressed India’s willingness to work with Pakistan who will be the next Chair of SAARC.
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations. Foreign Secretary reiterated India’s desire to establish peaceful cooperative ties with Pakistan and its commitment to resolve all outstanding issues through a meaningful bilateral dialogue within the framework of Simla Agreement and Lahore Declaration for which an environment free from terror and violence is required.