![thawing relations pakistan india spymasters meet on the cards thawing relations pakistan india spymasters meet on the cards](https://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/421354-ZaheerulIslam-1344838553.jpg)
The proposal is part of numerous mechanisms being explored to reduce the trust deficit between the nuclear-armed neighbours, official sources disclosed here.
One source claimed that the United States was instrumental in persuading Islamabad and New Delhi to discuss the possibility of a meeting between the heads of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
The proposal, if materialised, could mark the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between the two countries which have fought four wars since their independence from the British in 1947.
Relations between the two countries have shown significant improvement in recent months, however, a breakthrough on the most contentious issues is still being awaited. However, hopes are running high with Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh expected to travel to Pakistan later this year.
Efforts to arrange a meeting between the intelligence chiefs before the Indian premier’s maiden trip to Pakistan have been ongoing, according to a source. A Pakistani official confirmed that several proposals including regular interaction between the security agencies of the two countries were on the table.
“But it is too early to say anything at this stage,” the official added, referring to the probability of face-to-face talks between ISI and RAW chiefs materialising.
Another official revealed that some Western powers, particularly the United States, were keen on increased coordination and discussions between the two neighbours. The official added that the US wanted to ensure that there was no deterioration in ties between India and Pakistan during the next couple of years as the US-led coalition plan to pull out of Afghanistan.
“Against this backdrop, these players believe that a meeting between the two countries at the security agencies level can go a long way to achieve that objective,” said the official.
However, officially, no one was willing to comment on the matter due to the sensitivity of the issue. When approached, a security official expressed his ignorance about the development. “We are not privy to any such proposal,” the official added.
In the past, efforts to bring the spymasters in the same room have not succeeded. Following the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, the government announced that the ISI chief would visit India to help authorities in investigations. However, the trip had to be cancelled after a strong reaction from the country’s security establishment.
In July 2009, the then Pakistani ISI chief Lt. General Ahmed Shuja Pasha reportedly sought a meeting with his Indian counterpart. However, the Indian government refused the invitation fearing implications of such a meeting in view of the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.
(Read: India key to internal peace?)
Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2012.
COMMENTS (21)
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@A.Lal: "I guess the Hindu(s) and others converting to Islam in India is by force also? Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and that is a fact NOT fiction."
Islam is the fast growing religion but not due to conversion. Rather due to the fact that fertility rate amongst the Muslims is the highest.
@Raj - USA:
I guess the Hindu(s) and others converting to Islam in India is by force also? Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and that is a fact NOT fiction.
first of all Pakistani media is far more free and fair than Indian media (news, wire). Indian media "Aaj tak" "the news" or any other news channel like to indulge in Pot-Shot acts towards Pakistan where as Pakistani media ALWAYS present "India related" news objectively.
unfortunately Indians "in general" cannot digest Pakistan's existence but they should realize that Pakistan IS a "force to reckoned with"!
Indian media is always giving their public the hype "wiping Pakistan off the map" idea but they should understand that if they could not do it in 1947 then there is no way they can do it now!
they should KNOW that whatever the differences between the people of Pakistan that RAW has been trying to exploit in Pakistan ,in the end War unites ALL Pakistanis!
Pakistanis don't need Bollywood glamour in order to be patriotic.
we dont have 1% interest in Pakistan ...it has failed ... India dont like failures
@Bharat
Then what are Indians doing hanging around Pakistani news sites and posting comments?
@Sarah, well said.
Problem with some Indians are that they either live too much in "Bollywood" fantasy or blindly trust their media unlike Pakistanis who openly criticize their government and media alike.
Peace should be given a chance, however success can come not from pious words and sentences but from actions.
@Raj - USA: What kind of paronia do you live in?
I don't think, it is possible be bring both chiefs on the same table,as there will be no chance for good thinsg to happen between both countries.
Excellent beginning! Way to progress for both countries as normal partners in 21st century.
though we had differences at the time of independence and perhaps still have, but now we should move forward to build good relations in the interest of people of both countries.
What's the point. Let the indians burn in mumbai fire haha, we dont owe them any explanation.
This would be a very good Omen for both the countries and particularly for the region. They should sit face to face and stop Hide and Seek game for the betterment of the nation. We both have moved forward on so many fronts and if this meeting takes place I am sure it will bear fruitful results.
Again a waste of time. Most Indians have no interest in Pakistan.
I wonder what purpose will be served by a meeting between the heads of ISI and RAW. The two institutions are in very different kinds of business. There is nothing in common.
@fahad: "whats the name of RAW spymaster? i think, to the rest of world, he lives in oblivion."
Why just rest of the world? Most Indians would not be able to sau the name of RAW Head without google search. @Nomi RAW firmly reports to civilians i.e. home minister of India (similar to interior minister in Pakistan. It is not an idaara onto itself. Even the army head clearly and unambiguously reports to the defense minister who is part of cabinet. When the last COAS wrote a letter o the PM asking for a meeting, the PM asked him to communicate his concerns through his boss- the defence minister and the 1-1 meeting was not granted. So in India it is the home minister and defense minister have the power to decide on matters related to internal and external security and the foreign minister has the authority to execute foreign policy which is approved by the cabinet. In India the COAS and RAW head do not have even a small fraction of the power that their Pakistani counterparts enjoy.
The only way these negotiations will gain ground is when Pakistani civilians are finally able to wrest foreign policy from the hands of army and ISI. Until then no matter what is agreed between Indian civilians (who have the authority to follow through) and Pakistani civilians who have no authority to deliver what they promise - there will be no on the ground implemenation.
ISPR planted story in a predictable pattern. Bring in US and unnamed Western powers to add credibility and make it palatable for the Pakistanis. Also throw in "Nuclear-armed" to induce fear. Overall, it is just a continuation of the barrages of op-ed 's in ET from Shahzad Chaudhry and Tanvir Ahmad Khan.
Pakistan has two immediate problems: (1) Mumbai Terror Attacks and (2) Religious conversions resulting in Uganda like situation of Hindus in Pakistan. With China against, Burma issue could not be exploited.
Save Hafiz, who is now restricted to indoor speeches and TV appearances. US courts have already summoned him. So, plant TV talk shows, and try to exploit Op-Ed columns. If Hafiz gets taken out or Hindu exodus is not controlled, effects will be far reaching.
It is all about Kudha and Hafiz and ISPR hopes that Dr. Manmlhan Singh's visit to Pakistan shall save the situation.
Great who told Kamran? This was to be a secret...
(Nice article :))
whats the name of RAW spymaster? i think, to the rest of world, he lives in oblivion.
Two real power wielders must meet. Must come face to face instead of playing spy games.