Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether Indo-Pak talk is likely to be derailed in view of the role of Pakistan in fuelling unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and the provocative statements;
(b) if so, the facts and details thereof; and
(c) the issues on which Indo-Pak talks have taken place during the last three years along with the progress achieved?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V.K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) & (b) On 09th December 2015, when EAM met the Pakistani leadership and her counterpart in Islamabad on the sidelines of the ‘Heart of Asia process for regional cooperation on Afghanistan’, the two sides agreed on a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue to address all outstanding issues bilaterally and through peaceful means. Both sides, accordingly, directed the Foreign Secretaries to work out the modalities and schedule of the meetings under the comprehensive bilateral dialogue. However, in the wake of Pathankot airbase terrorist attack on 2nd January 2016, their meeting to discuss modalities of the Dialogue has not taken place so far.
(c) Government has taken a number of initiatives for building a normal relationship with Pakistan and for addressing all outstanding issues. Putting an end to anti-India terrorism and violence emanating from the territories under its control would allow Pakistan to move forward in ties with India. Progress in Pakistan investigating the Pathankot airbase attack to bring its perpetrators to justice will contribute to a conducive climate.