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.
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We have clearly laid out a framework for the Composite Dialogue in the coming months. That process wouldprovide us the opportunity to discuss all these issues and any unnecessary apprehensions in detail. Till thenit would perhaps be better to avoid any uncalled for controversy in or through the media.
We would like to reiterate that our approach is one of friendship and cooperation. We hope that theseriousness and sincerity with which we are committed to engagement in the bilateral dialogue process withPakistan will be respected by the Government of Pakistan, and an atmosphere free from the menace of terrorismand violence created to take forward and sustain the process.
New Delhi
May 31, 2004
