Type: Parliament Questions and Answers

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether for the first time, US has pointed out to both India and Pakistan that terror is the real issue for Indo-Pak talks;
(b) if so, whether US has also assured India that US arms would not be used against India by Pakistan;
(c) whether Indian concerns over Pakistan was discussed during the month of June on the first strategic dialogue between India and US co-chaired by External Affairs Minister and Secretary; and
(d) if so, to what extent it has helped to improve relationship between the two countries?

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

(a) No. The dialogue between India and Pakistan is bilateral, the issues and agenda are mutually discussed and jointly identified by the Governments of India and Pakistan themselves. The US Administration have consistently stated that they recognize that the bilateral issues between India and Pakistan should be addressed bilaterally between India and Pakistan.

(b) We have conveyed our concerns to the US side regarding diversion of US military aid meant for counter insurgency operations by Pakistan towards acquiring conventional weapons. Government has also consistently drawn the attention of the United States and other countries to the need for proper benchmarks and accountability to prevent the diversion of assistance provided to Pakistan for use in its military build up against India. The US Government has assured Government of India that US assistance would be monitored keeping India’s concerns in mind.
(c) & (d) During the Indo-US Strategic Dialogue, both sides reiterated their shared goal of advancing security and stability across Asia, in particular, through the emergence of an open, balanced, and inclusive architecture of cooperation in the region. Secretary Clinton welcomed India’s leadership role in helping to shape the rise of a stable, peaceful and prosperous Asia. They shared their perspectives on South Asia and pledged to expand regular high-level exchanges on regional issues of mutual concern.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220116279.