Pakistan

Indian foreign secretary to visit Pakistan next week

US President Obama played crucial role to persuade Narendra Modi to re-engage in dialogue with Pakistan, sources say

Kamran Yousuf February 24, 2015

Indian foreign secretary, S. Jaishankar. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD: In a move that may help the two nuclear-armed neighbours to resume their stalled peace process, Indian foreign secretary is expected to arrive in the federal capital next week.

A foreign office official confirmed to The Express Tribune on Tuesday that Indian Foreign Secretary S Jiashankar would be visiting Islamabad in the first week of March.

The top Indian diplomat is visiting Pakistan as part of his trip to member states of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

However, the ‘SAARC card’ is apparently being used by Indian government for domestic compulsions.

It is believed that US President Barrack Obama played a crucial role in persuading Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to re-engage in dialogue with Pakistan.

On February 13, Modi telephoned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and conveyed him that he was sending the foreign secretary to all SAARC countries, including Pakistan.

The Indian foreign secretary will hold crucial talks with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry.

According to the foreign office officials, agenda of the talks is being finalised. The officials added that all issues including future of the composite dialogue would be discussed.

Jiashankar’s visit of foreign secretary is seen as significant development as this may help ease tensions between the two nuclear armed neighbors.

COMMENTS (9)

Salman | 9 years ago | Reply One of the most critical ingredients for achieving regional stability and prosperity is creating a peaceful and stable future of Indo-Pak relations. It is important for both states to resolve the issues through bilateral negotiations without any hindrance.

Kundan Khan | 9 years ago | Reply The latest firing incidents across the Line of Control (LoC), particularly the killing of a Pakistani soldier, who had strayed across the LOC, and the threatening statements made by the Indian commanders during the past few weeks were designed to convey to Pakistan that it would have to accept India’s hegemony and learn to live in a subordinate position in the region. Pakistan’s domestic political instability, the debilitating war on terror in which it is engaged, its deplorable economic performance over the past decade and a half, and the constant American pressure on it because of the crisis in Afghanistan have worked to weaken Pakistan’s position vis-à-vis India.

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Nashmia | 9 years ago | Reply Headlines have been made after subsequent call of Indian PM Modi followed by US President Obama call. Although, it is claimed to be a Cricket Diplomacy but it actually becomes instrumental for India to open up its self-stalled diplomatic channel of talks with Pakistan. Since August after rejection of Indian to address issues, Pakistan made this very clear that now it is India who makes a forward move to Pakistan. So, between the lines of cricket, India tries to dissolve the issue and show willingness to send its foreign secretary to settle up with issues. In fact, it is more than a face saving of India just to be good in front of the international community. There is an extreme deficiency of Indian willingness to resolve the issues.

Tazeen | 9 years ago | Reply The visit of India's foreign secretary to Pakistan seems o be a good and innovative development on part of India, but how this visit would be utilized and pursued in good manner, time would tell. But it is quite hopeful that the visit would be a positive initiative and both state would make the best use of this visit, by breaking down the walls of anger. The two historical rivals have long been stalled in talks and negotiations but could not pursue them because of several trivial issues. But now it is highly recommended to the officials of both states that to make the best possible use out of this visit and try to seek solutions for the long standing enmity between the two states. As this is the only thing which can bring two states closer and can help in resuming the regional strategic balance and peace.

ModiFied | 9 years ago | Reply He should meet Kashmir freedom fighters from POK also and find their views.

someone | 9 years ago | Reply Watch out Pakistan, another charge sheet coming your way.

Gradiator | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan should ensure this guy only meets the bureaucrat charged with SAARC affairs at the Foreign Office before sending him home. Pakistan needs to put a freeze on the India engagement until the paper tigers in Delhi have come to their mediocre senses.

zara | 9 years ago | Reply You arent welcome .

Liberal | 9 years ago | Reply Ask him to answer questions about the boat fiasco.

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