NEW DELHI: India is prepared to discuss the “entire gamut” of bilateral relations with Pakistan and even sign a nonaggression treaty, Foreign Minister Inder Kumar Gujral said on Monday July 15. “The Indian government has unilaterally taken steps for improving relations at people to people: level,” the foreign minister said in a statement to parliament. He added that New Delhi was ready to sign a “no war pact” with Islamabad. Referring to a June 8 letter from Indian Premier H.D. Deve Gowda to Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, he said: “Bhutto has not replied to Deve Gowda’s letter suggesting resumption of bilateral talks, including those on which there are diverging views.” But he said a Pakistani parliamentary delegation was expected to visit India soon. Gujral also reiterated a longstanding rejection of any mediation by the United States, saying a 19/2 bilateral agreement ruled out the possibility. The Shimla agreement has shut out any scope for third party intervention in resolving bilateral issues between India and Pakistan. The US and other countries have expressed concern that the Kashmir dispute could trigger a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan. Gujral also reiterated the Indian government’s concern about the “clandestine nuclear weapons program of Pakistan.” In a reference to the alleged sale of weapon related ring magnets by China to Pakistan, the foreign minister said: “Our views regarding supplies of critical nuclear technologies to Pakistan have been conveyed to the concerned countries.”
Recently India said it did not want to obstruct the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) but warned that it would not become a signatory unless the accord addressed Indian security concerns. “We do not want to be spoilers or obstruct the treaty but we have to safeguard our national interest External Affairs Minister Inder Kumar Gujral told the country’s two houses of parliament.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 24, 1996
