NEW DELHI: India July 15th indicated its willingness for bilateral talks with Pakistan on a number of issues, including the possibility of a no war pact between the two countries. But there was no question of agreeing to the Pakistani suggestion of United States mediation. The Indian stand was reiterated as External Affairs Minister LK. Gujral faced member’s queries during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

He said India had responded to a letter from Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on H.D. Deve Gowda’s government coming to power. But there had been no formal reply to the Indian letter proposing bilateral talks. Gujral suggested that a reply might be on its way. Gujral refused to speculate on the outcome of exercise, but indicated India’s “optimism.”

He said India had not proposed any framework for resumption of talks with Pakistan. He welcomed Pakistan Commerce Minister’s recent statement to separate trade from politics and hoped the South Asian Preferential Trade Arrangement (SAPTA) would help boost bilateral trade. He said India was encouraging people to people contact between the two countries. It was also examining relaxation of movement of books and periodicals between the two countries. He said India would be willing to reopen its consulate in Karachi if Pakistan permitted. This would permit smooth handling of visa applications from Pakistanis. Gujral did not appear keen on the suggestion that government should hold consolation with political parties on framing a policy towards Pakistan. He said there was unanimity among all parties on the foreign policy issues. The minister informed that a Pakistani parliamentary delegation is likely to visit India soon. Indo Pakistan relations also figured in written replies last Monday by the government in Parliament. The issues ranged from the Pakistani delay in granting most favored nation (MEN) status to India, to New Delhi’s concern over Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program. Gujral also told Parliament that India had repeatedly conveyed its concern at United States decision to transfer the arms package to Islamabad. The government was determined to take all necessary measures to counter any adverse effect on national security, he said.

 

Article extracted from this publication >>  July 17, 1996