Third Party Role Cannot be Envisaged in Indo-Pak Ties: India
A day after the joint communiqué issued by President Barack Obama and his Chinese counter part Hu Jintao referred to Indo-Pak ties, India has showed its irritation issuing official statement to make it clear that a third party role was not necessary.
Maintaining its position that no ‘meaningful dialogue’ is possible without a terror-free environment, external affairs ministry spokesperson said, “The Government of India is committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through a peaceful bilateral dialogue in accordance with the Simla Agreement.”
“A third country role cannot be envisaged nor is it necessary. We also believe that a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can take place only in an environment free from terror or the threat of terror,” he added.
The reaction from India came following Obma and Hu expressed their support for betterment of Indo-Pak ties and their willingness to promote peace and stability in the region, listing the situation in South Asia among regional and global challenges.
The joint statement issued at the conclusion of the talks between the two leaders said: “the two countries support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan, and are ready to strengthen communication, dialogue and cooperation on issues related to South Asia and work together to promote peace, stability and development in that region.
In the meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roember described the mention of Indo-Pak relations in the US-China joint statement as ‘positive statement’.
“I have not really taken a close look at the joint statement at this point. The two countries (US and China) have said they would work for a more stable and peaceful relationship between the countries in South Asia. I think that is a very positive statement to make,” he said.
He made this statement when he was answering to reporters’ queries in a press conference and was asked to comment on the mention of India’s relationship with Pakistan in the US-China joint statement.
The envoy went on to add that the US is “trying to make sure there is a prosperous and peaceful rise of China” and “at the same time have historic close relations between the United States and India.”
In this regard, he noted that prime minister Manmohan Singh would be the first foreign leader to receive State honour in Washington during Obama administration. “We are excited about this,” he said.
