India-Pakistan Secretary-Level Talks

The progress made in the India-Pakistan home secretary-level talks is an indication that the endeavors made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to improve mutual relations through cricket diplomacy are bearing fruit. The Indian side was led by Home Secretary G. K. Pillai, whereas Pakistan was represented by Qamar Zaman Chaudhry. The joint declaration released at the end of the two-day home secretary-level talks may not, after all, be taken as a major success or a milestone; yet it helps in thawing the ice on their relations. This aspect cannot be ignored.

The new measures enumerated in the joint declaration may raise queries as to when these would actually be implemented. What is, however, heartening is the fact that the home secretaries have admitted that the talks were positive and progress has been made.

Step Toward Exchange of Information

The joint declaration issued at the end of the talks mentions a hotline to be set up to deal with terrorism. The purpose behind it is to exchange any information on terrorism as early as possible. It was further decided that a team of investigators from India would visit Pakistan to question the perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage, who are under trial in Pakistan. Also, a judicial commission from Pakistan would come to India to get information from some of the witnesses in Mumbai. The agreement on these points assumes significance because earlier, Pakistan was not agreeable to let a team of Indian investigators visit that country. The setting up of the proposed hotline, in fact, is a step toward exchange of information on terrorism.

It may be recalled that recently, Pakistan had conveyed some intelligence reports to India regarding possible terrorist attacks during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. There are several terrorist organizations working from Pakistani soil, which are purported to be involved in several acts of terrorism in India. A beneficial outcome of the exchange of information on terrorism would be that it would be easier to take precautionary measures. There is yet another progress in this respect: the two sides have agreed to establish cooperation between investigation agencies of the two countries. The cooperation between India's National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) would help in solving cases relating to terrorism soon.

Cross-Border Terrorism

An important issue that relates to difficulties in getting visas also finds a mention in the joint declaration. The two countries have agreed to set up a joint working group. To ensure that the process of the dialogue and progress may continue, Indian Home Secretary G. K. Pillai would now visit Islamabad. Although innumerable issues continue to hang fire between the countries, what is heartening now is that both sides clearly and unambiguously presented what was in their mind during the talks lasting more than five hours.

The 26 November 2008 terrorist attacks, cross-border terrorism, explosions in the Samjhauta Express, and smuggling of fake currency are issues that yield numerous statements, but precious little is done to address them and no attempt is ever made to reach agreement on these issues during serious dialogues. The deliberation held on these issues during the secretary-level talks is a positive indication indeed.

Conducive Atmosphere Created

It is, however, a matter of great satisfaction that the cricket diplomacy initiated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, prior to the home secretary-level talks had a salutary impact on the talks, and both countries responded. A meeting of foreign ministers of the two countries is scheduled to be held in July.

One should hope that the conducive atmosphere created as a result of the cricket diplomacy would have its influence on the proposed talks in July also. It should be further hoped that the progress made in the secretary-level talks would continue during the foreign ministers' meeting, and also thereafter.

India-Pakistan Cricket Diplomacy

Soon after the finalization of the 2011 ICC World Cup Cricket semifinal match between India and Pakistan, political activities got escalated. Negotiation between home secretaries started and there was a consensus on certain issues. At least because of cricket, some progress took place, otherwise there was a stalemate.

The impasse was because of Pakistan's non-cooperation and India's insistence on stoppage of terror acts before talks. How terrorism has infiltrated and infected the Pakistani culture, its elimination before opening up the dialogue was not possible, hence Pakistan was procrastinating. Now the deadlock seems to be broken and the parleys will go ahead, to solve the old problems.

Pertaining to Extremism

It has been agreed that visa procedures will be made easier by setting up joint working group and a hotline will be established between home secretaries to exchange quick information pertaining to extremism. The parleys have been assessed as positive as both countries have resolved to extirpate terrorism and the permission has been granted to Indian Investigation Commission to visit Pakistan. In turn, Pakistan was informed about the progress in the Samjhauta Express investigations. This means efforts are being made from both sides to neutralize terrorism.

The secretary level talks have paved way for the prime minister-level talks. It was the wisdom of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to invite Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to witness the match, which was largely welcomed.

Mental Bankruptcy

The tension between the countries will start decreasing while the two prime ministers will watch the match together on 30 March. This will be the occasion when representatives of the two countries will be seen together in a mirthful atmosphere, though this will not be a good omen for bad wishers.

The reason extremist Hindu organization, the Shiv Sena, has criticized Mammohan Singh by saying that if he has so much love for Pakistan then he should have invited and sent two tickets to Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru in prison, to watch the match sitting beside them. This statement of Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Rawat proves his mental bankruptcy.

Hindu Terrorists' Involvement

Its politics is based on hatred and aversion. Earlier, there were reports of Shiv Sena's discreet association with Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence. Some names were mentioned, though not confirmed. If investigations intensify about Hindu terrorists' involvement in blast cases, more facts may crop up.

The flurry of the Shiv Sena may be the result of its apprehension that the two sides will neutralize the terror network. Like the Shiv Sena, in Pakistan also there are elements who do not like Gilani's visit to India. They also apprehend such dangers. However, peace-loving common people of both countries are happy with the move. May God keep the evil eye away.

Melting Ice Between India and Pakistan

What will be the nature of relationship between India and Pakistan is a mystery. These relations had almost frozen after the Mumbai terror attack. But the ice appears to melt after the foreign ministers and foreign secretaries meetings. However, Pakistan's insistence was to talk on every matter, including Kashmir. But India very rightly demanded to discuss punishment to the Mumbai terror attack perpetrators. The consensus on this was difficult. This time also at the Thimpu conference, the prevailing suspension was anticipated.

An English news channel revealed that the conference proved to be disastrous. This channel termed it a deadly sin, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir's statement that "India cannot control Hindu terrorism." He, however, said that terrorism should not be linked to any religion.

Restraint and Maturity
Now the picture that is emerging shows absolute restraint and maturity on the part of the Indian delegation. In reply to the media persons' query in Thimpu, whether India has agreed to resume talks with Pakistan combined on every issue, Indian Foreign secretary Nirupama Rao, quoting William Shakespeare, said: "What is in a name?" It appears that India has agreed to talk on every matter.

For confidence-building, she also suggests several steps such as interaction between people of both countries, antiterrorism steps, control of narcotics smuggling, trading across the Line of Control, peace, security, etc. She also informed about the resolve to transform these steps into practice. She said that Pakistan had been told that the developments about the Samjhauta Express investigations would be communicated to it and that it should also reciprocate in the same manner.

Mutual Cooperation Required
It is true that mutual cooperation is required for good relationship. When asked that Pakistan has denied permission to the Indian Commission to visit there in respect of the 26/11, she said that the two countries should respect each other's laws. Pakistan has replied the note India sent on 3 February, asking for some clarifications.

Collectively, it is a positive situation, but India has clearly told Pakistan that no third-party interference on Kashmir will be allowed in talks. This indicates that the External Affairs Ministry has agreed to talk on Kashmir. This all is changing for better situation.