We are somewhat surprised at the reactions in Pakistan to some of EAM's recent articulations of consistentpolicies of the Government of India, the policies that have been followed over decades and despite severalchanges in Government.
The Simla Agreement has been the bedrock of India-Pakistan relations since July 1972. It provides theframework for our relations, and commitment both to dialogue for resolving differences and not to take anyunilateral actions.
EAM has, on all occasions, clearly said that we will abide by the framework of the Simla Agreement, allsubsequent agreements and declarations and the January 6 Joint Press Statement, when the Prime Minister ofIndia had visited Islamabad, and after his meeting with the President of Pakistan. This fact seems to havebeen deliberately ignored. Suggestions or inferences that there are differences in intent between thesedocuments, and that some of them would not be given due significance, are obviously erroneous.
Similarly, it has been our consistent policy that difficult issues between India and Pakistan can be addressedproductively only when there is an atmosphere of cooperation, goodwill and understanding. These can begenerated through enhanced interaction and exchanges. Obviously, we intend to pursue with this approach.