Type: Parliament Questions and Answers

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether any discussions were held recently between India and Pakistan on various bilateral issues;
(b) if so, the details and outcome thereof;
(c) whether Government has proposed any measures to Pakistan Government to stop cross-border terrorism activities; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and response given by the Pakistan Government?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) to (d) External Affairs Minister (EAM) met the Foreign Minister of Pakistan (PFM) on July 15, 2010 in Islamabad. The Ministers reviewed the current state of bilateral relations and discussed steps to promote trust and confidence. EAM conveyed our core concerns on terrorism to the Pakistan side. PFM assured that the Government of Pakistan will do everything in its power to fulfill the commitment given by Pakistan of not allowing its territory to be used for terrorism against India. He also assured that the investigation in the Mumbai terrorist attack case, taking into account the additional information coming out of the recent interrogation of David Coleman Headley and provided by our Home Minister during his visit to Pakistan in June 2010, would be pursued vigorously to unravel the full conspiracy and bring all the perpetrators of that horrific crime to justice.

As part of a step-by-step, graduated and forward-looking approach to expanding dialogue to cover all issues of mutual interest and concern, EAM expressed our willingness to have further interaction on pressing humanitarian issues, particularly early release and repatriation of prisoners and fishermen in jails in both countries; promotion of trade and commerce; streamlining and strengthening cross-LOC Confidence Building Measures for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir; and greater people-to-people contacts/friendly exchanges.

The detailed and frank discussions held during the visit enabled both the countries to develop a better understanding of each others’ position and point of view on various issues. Despite differences of opinion on the way forward on a few issues, there was a broad understanding on a number of other issues. PFM accepted EAM’s invitation to visit Delhi at a suitable date to be decided through diplomatic channels.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220116328.

Rajya Sabha

Pakistan
South Asia