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| Sunday, 25 July 2004 |
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Indo-Pak relations warming up by P. Muthiah SAARC Foreign Ministers' meetings or Summits of Heads of State countries have always been considered important since they also provide opportunities for sideline bilateral talks that could have become important milestones. In this context, the sideline talks between Indo-Pakistani leaders at the recently concluded SAARC Council of Ministers meeting are significant. As SAARC charter forbids discussions on bilateral issues, the sideline talks between leaders of countries contribute much to bring them closer. After assuming power the new government renewed efforts to commence talks with Pakistan on several issues, including Kashmir that mar normalcy in their relations. It is significant that foreign ministers of both countries have met thrice during the past two months. New proposals were put forward last month when Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar met his Indian counterpart Shashank. The new Indian government considers engagement at talks to be basic to finding a solution rather than putting forward demands. Now both countries taken the road of confidence building measures. Facilitating inter-Kashmiri shrine visits, trade between Azad and Jammu Kashmir crossing the Line of Control, additional bus services between Suchetgarh in Jammu Kashmir and Sialkot in Pakistan and family contacts are some of the confidence building measures that are initiated by India and under consideration of Pakistan. According to a senior journalist of India the cricket match between Indian and Pakistani teams in that country had made a great impact on the people, and contributed to the strengthening of confidence building. There were proposals for confidence building measures in the military fields, including enhanced communication links between the air force and naval headquarters, as well as between relevant field units and links between defence think-tanks in India and Pakistan. During the recent meeting in China with Indian External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri said "this is a challenge to the leadership of Pakistan and India, that we resolve the issue in a way where there is no humiliation for our countries. It is a win-win situation for all. I think it can be done." This same sentiment was reflected in the speech of Pakistan's new Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain at the SAARC Ministerial forum concluded in Islamabad. He said Pakistan was committed to pursuing peace with India. Although the two foreign ministers discussed their issues at the sidelines, the Pakistan's proposal to accomodate bilateral issues was rejected at the forum. Peace is in urgent need for India as well as Pakistan since both countries are attempting to solve their economic and political problems. Therefore, both are interested in new and improved peace initiatives and confidence building measures to keep themselves at the negotiating table and maintain calm at the Line of Control. |
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