Jul 29, 2011

Clarification on India-Pakistan Joint Statement

July 28, 2011

In response to a question regarding the India-Pakistan Joint Statement issued following the Foreign Minister level talks on July 27, 2011 wherein paragraph 4, it is mentioned that the “Ministers reviewed the status of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction on the holding of meetings on the issues of Counter-Terrorism (including progress on Mumbai trial) and Narcotics Control…….” the Official Spokesperson stated: In regard to the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan in February 2011, the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan expressed their satisfaction on the holding of meetings, at appropriate levels, on the outstanding issues between the two countries. We categorically reject inferences that there was any expression of satisfaction on “the progress on Mumbai trial”.

The language of the Statement is very clear in this regard. The holding of the meetings on various issues is a step forward given that for over two years our substantive dialogue had remained suspended and this has been acknowledged in the Statement. It may be recalled that under the resumed dialogue “Counter Terrorism (including progress on Mumbai trial)” is the subject of the Home Secretary level talks (as announced on February 10, 2011 in the Agreed Outcome of the Foreign Secretary level talks held on February 6, 2011 in Thimphu). To this we have added Narcotics Control to correctly reflect the scope of Home/Interior Secretary level talks.

India has, time and again, clearly expressed its concern and disappointment with Pakistan about the lack of progress in the Mumbai trial and bringing those responsible for this heinous terrorist attack to justice. The matter was forcefully raised by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister in his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart on July 27, 2011 in New Delhi. This issue was also the focus of the Home Secretary level talks on March 28-29, 2011 in New Delhi and was also taken up vigorously at the Foreign Secretary level talks on June 23-24, 2011 in Islamabad and on July 26, 2011 in New Delhi. [MEA India Press Release].