Resumption of India-Pakistan Summit Talks

As a consequence of the India-Pakistan summit talks held on the sidelines of the 15th Non-Aligned Movement [NAM] summit in the Egyptian city of Sharm al-Shaykh, it seems the possibility of a change taking place in the tense environment in this region has brightened. During the summit talks between Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, the two countries have delinked the bilateral India-Pakistan talks from the issue of terrorism. The initiative taken by India on this issue is bound to lead to a positive outcome.

Joint Statement
Earlier, India has been emphasizing that unless Pakistan brings to justice the accused of the Mumbai attacks of November 26, 2008, the prospects of talks with Pakistan were ruled out. On this occasion, the Indian Prime Minister stated in no uncertain terms that the composite dialogue between the countries is still subject to the earnestness on Pakistan's part in its counter-terrorism endeavours.

The noticeable point is that a considerably encouraging reaction has been received from Pakistan for the success of the summit talks. Describing the shift in the Indian strategy on bilateral talks as a pleasant development, Pakistan has termed the summit talks satisfactory. In the joint statement issued at the end of the summit talks, it has been accepted that talks is the only way to make headway.

During the two-hour-long meeting, the two leaders admitted that the composite dialogue process could not be linked with counter-terrorism action. The two sides have agreed to create an environment of mutual confidence and reliance so that an amicable atmosphere for resumption of the dialogue process could be created. It is also satisfying to note that the vexed Kashmir issue has not mentioned in the joint statement.

Nevertheless, it is worth consideration that the Prime Minister Dr. Singh made it clear in the joint statement that India is willing to hold talks on any issue. The Kashmir issue also figures in the composite dialogue.

Pakistan states that the Indian Prime Minister has expressed willingness to hold dialogue with Pakistan on the all issues, including all pending disputes. The term "all pending disputes" is being linked with the Kashmir issue. Indians are happy that the leaders of the two countries have met for the first time after four years and the joint statement issued on conclusion of the meeting does not carry any reference to the Kashmir issue. They think that their demand for putting the Kashmir issue into cold storage has been accepted.

In their summit meetings, the two countries have been announcing modes and dates of the future talks. However, perhaps for the first time, it has been decided in a meeting of two Prime Ministers that their Foreign Ministers will hold the next meeting, which is likely to take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2009. Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries will hold mutual talks whenever needed and hand over reports to their respective Foreign Ministers. In this way, the level of the future talks between the two countries has been brought down. Usually, in their meetings and contacts, the ministers finalize schedule for meetings at the prime ministerial or presidential level, but here for the first time, the announcement has been made contrary to that.

Positive Results Expected
With bilateral talks, the prospects of easing of tension between the two countries have brightened. The top leaders of the two countries had also held talks in Russia last month. As such, the summit meeting in Egypt seems to prove instrumental in bringing about a change in the scenario.

Nonetheless, the success of the present summit meeting depends on to what extent the two countries succeed in the implementation of decisions made in the Egypt summit. The relations between India and Pakistan cannot be promoted just with the will of any one country.

Undoubtedly, both the countries will have to make equal contribution to it. Moreover, it is a positive development that the political leadership of the two countries has come forward for bilateral talks instead of adding to tension.

Prospects of Talks
During the meeting between Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and the Indian Prime Minister in Russia, a number of decisions were made on bilateral issues, but no appropriate response has been made by Islamabad on them. Now, if strict steps are not initiated by Pakistan to prevent violence after the Egypt summit talks, it is likely to cause tension between the two countries. It is the responsibility of both the countries to comprehend the problems facing each other, and come forward to resolution of bilateral issues with an open mind.

Moreover, the bilateral talks should not be confined to mere paperwork. It is the joint responsibility of the two counties to promote an atmosphere of peace and friendship. People of this region have already suffered a lot. It will be better to let the people of both the countries live in peace.