Amid conflicting interpretations about the motives for resuming dialogue with Islamabad, the Indian government has clarified and expressed hope that re-engaging with Pakistan under a ‘comprehensive bilateral dialogue’ will mark the beginning of peace and development in the region.
In a suo motu statement in Rajya Sabha (Upper House of parliament) on her December 8-9 visit to Islamabad, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj underlined that the decision to resume talks was underpinned by the premise that continued estrangement was a hurdle to peace and prosperity in the region, the government expressed hope.
“The underlying sentiment, on which I am confident that this House concurs fully, was that the continued estrangement of two neighbours was a hurdle to the realization of our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous region,” Ms Swaraj said. At the same time, there was also a “sharp awareness” that principal obstacles to the growth of ties, especially terrorism, would have to be clearly and directly addressed.
Ms Swaraj read out her statement amid continuing chaos and din unleashed by a combative opposition. Ms Swaraj said following her visit to Islamabad, a ‘comprehensive bilateral dialogue’ with Pakistan will begin with the objective of “removing hurdles in the path of a constructive engagement by addressing issues of concern.” Also, it aims at “exploring and establishing cooperative ties,” she added.
The minister added that initiatives on trade and connectivity, people-to-people exchanges and humanitarian issues would contribute to welfare of the entire region and promote better understanding and mutual trust. “The new dialogue, we sincerely hope, marks a new beginning also for peace and development in the whole region,” Ms Swaraj said.
Author Profile
- India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. Centre for Global India Insights is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs.
Latest entries
- India and the WorldOctober 7, 2024India, Maldives Ink Landmark MOUs to Boost Development Cooperation
- DiplomacyOctober 3, 2024Modi-Biden meeting showed strong strategic alignment between India and US: Expert
- DiplomacyOctober 3, 2024Why multi-alignment matters to India, explains Jaishankar
- DiplomacySeptember 27, 2024Jaishankar meets Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, focuses on improving ties