India and Pakistan are set to review nuclear related confidence building measures (CBMs) at the Foreign Office and Foreign Secretary-level talks on June 23 and 24 in Islamabad. And though both sides do not expect major results and disagree on the core issue at the talks – Kashmir or terrorism -- Government sources here reposed faith in a sustained dialogue process to narrow the trust deficit and build understanding for the eventual resolution of issues of discord between the two nations.
India wants the expectations from the Foreign Secretary talks to be "realistic’’ given the history and complexity of Indo-Pak ties. "Dialogue is a process. We should not expect a decision. We should go step by step," said the sources.
On the recent face off between warships of India and Pakistan clouding the talks, the sources cautioned against whipping up a frenzy though they claimed the Pakistani warship had displayed aggressive behaviour in the past as well.
"There is so much to discuss. Let us put it behind us," they said while suggesting that the incident should act as a catalyst for both sides to revive a shelved pre-Mumbai attacks proposal on enhancing CBMs at sea.
On the core issue at the FS talks, India insists that Mumbai 2008 is "not behind us" while Pakistan feels it is time the political resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir issue comes up at the table.
"We will cover all issues of interest especially that of terror," maintained the sources while refuting Pakistani suggestions that Mumbai need not be aired at the Foreign Secretary talks because it has been discussed by the Home Secretaries.
The forthcoming talks between Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir would touch on peace and security, CBMs, J & K and promotion of friendly exchanges and culture. More important from South Block’s point of view, they would also review all Secretary level talks held since their first confabulation in February this year.
"We will not only focus on the agenda for FS talks. We will also be looking at the dialogue process including discussions at the Home Secretary level," said the sources. "Our concerns on terrorism have not been diminished by the resumption of dialogue. This concern is central when we look at the situation on the ground – heavy infiltration had taken place, continued sanctuaries and safe havens…"
An indication that Mumbai is firmly on the Indian agenda came from the submission of the "last set" of documents on the Mumbai attacks to Pakistan two days ago. "We have complied with all requirements in the form of documentary evidence. We will continue to emphasise our concerns which are very legitimate. Mumbai is not behind us," said the sources while complaining of the "glacial" pace of the trial in Pakistan. The latest impediment is the change of judge – the fourth since the trial began.
On J & K, the Indian outlook is for making CBMs on trade, transportation and travel more effective.
These are essentially meant to help people on the ground especially the Kashmiri people which should be the common aim of both sides, they explained.
The two sides will also review the status of existing nuclear CBMs of prior missile notification and annual exchange of list of nuclear installations in the respective countries.
India is prepared to discuss how the two sides can take the broad mandate envisaged by the 1999 Lahore memorandum forward in both the nuclear and conventional fields.
