By SUNIL Sonkar
New Delhi, Feb. 07 — Foreign Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan has been proposed for February 18 or 25 from India as part of a “practical and pragmatic” approach in seeking redressal of cross-border terrorism. India also warns that if 26/11 is repeated then there will be a huge setback.
India underlines that this proposed talks would not mean the resumption of composite dialogue, though any issue raised by Pakistan is to be discussed, including Balochistan. This is because India wants to deal in a “mature” and confident “manner” with the situation.
The “centre-piece” of the proposed talks from Indian side will be cross-border terrorism and also the rising infiltration that witnessed a marked increase in 2009.
Eight issues were discussed under the composite dialogue, including Jammu and Kashmir and terrorism in four rounds of talks, which was given a pause in the wake of Mumbai attacks in November 2008.
This proposed Foreign Secretary-level talks “are not composite dialogue but” it is just a dialogue in unlocking the channels of communication that has been frozen since 26/11 attacks said sources on Sunday.
Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary, has invited Salman Bashir, her Pakistani counterpart, in New Delhi for talks.
