Dialogue sought: Modi signals readiness to talk with Nawaz

In a letter, Modi confirms attendance in SAARC annual feature, pledges to hold talks with Nawaz

ISLAMABAD:

Indian Prime Minister Narindra Modi apart from attending the next SAARC conference in Islamabad early next year, will also avail the opportunity to hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart on all outstanding issues with the objective to resume the dialogue process and make headway in resolving the Kashmir issue in order to bring peace and stability in the region.

In a letter written by Premier Modi to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif he confirmed attendance in the SAARC annual feature and pledged to hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart, sources in the Prime Minister House told The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity.

These sources said the letter delivered by Indian foreign secretary during his visit to Islamabad, reflects a change from last years’ stance where secretary level talks were postponed by India on the pretext that Pakistani officials held meetings with the leadership of Indian held Kashmir prior to the dialogue while Islamabad maintained that consultation with Hurriet leaders was important before holding talks with New Delhi.

The Indian foreign secretary during his visit was informed that Kashmiri leadership has to be on board before talking on the issue of Kashmir as they are party to the dispute and no solution can be sorted out without their involvement, the sources maintained.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2015.