India wants “hostility” free talks with Pakistan

NEW DELHI: India has expressed its desire for good, neighbourly relations with Pakistan, stating that an “environment free of hostility” is necessary to pave the way for resuming talks between the two nations.

Responding to recent remarks by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed willingness to hold talks with neighboring countries, India’s Foreign Office spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We have seen the reports regarding the comments of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif. However, an environment free from ‘hostility’ is essential.”

War not an option: PM Shehbaz

Though Prime Minister Shehbaz did not explicitly mention any specific country during his speech at the Pakistan Minerals Summit in Islamabad, he stated, “We are also ready to talk to the neighboring countries for nation-building provided that the neighboring countries also discuss serious issues.”

Emphasizing the importance of resolving serious issues through peaceful and meaningful dialogue, Prime Minister Shehbaz asserted that the two countries could not become important neighbors if they do not engage in constructive discussions, as wars are no longer a viable option.

During the weekly media briefing, the spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India’s stance on the matter, stating, “India’s clear and consistent position on this issue is well-known. We desire normal neighborly relations with all our neighbors, including Pakistan. For this, an environment free of terror and hostility is imperative.”

The spokesperson emphasized that this position is not new and has been stated several times before. He further stressed, “The neighbor [Pakistan] has to understand that we cannot become normal neighbors unless abnormalities are removed, and unless our serious issues are understood and addressed through peaceful and meaningful discussions.”

Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have been limited for several years, with only charge d’affaires serving as representatives in their respective high commissions. Progress between the two nations has been hindered since the Mumbai attacks in 2008, and relations were further strained in August 2019 when India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

As a response, Pakistan terminated trade relations with India and expelled Ajay Bisaria, the Indian high commissioner to Pakistan at that time. India took similar actions in return.