Talks sans Kashmir issue with India impossible: Aziz

PM's senior aide terms Nawaz, Modi meeting in Ufa a good start for reducing tension between the two countries

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Monday said Pakistan will only engage in a formal dialogue with India if the Kashmir issue is a part of the dialogue’s agenda.

“No formal dialogue between Pakistan and India will take place unless Kashmir is part of the agenda,” Aziz said while addressing a press conference at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on Monday.

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Briefing on the recent meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, the PM’s adviser said, "PM Nawaz raised concerns on all issues, including India’s alleged interference in the internal matters of Pakistan particularly its continuing support for insurgency in Balochistan."

Aziz admitted the meeting between Nawaz and Modi in Russia was not a formal start of dialogue process but it served an important purpose to achieve a better understanding that both neighbours must reduce tensions and hostility.

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“The premier’s meeting with Modi will help boost relations while reducing tensions between the two countries,” he added.

The PM's senior aide said, during the meeting both the leaders agreed that the national security advisers of the two countries will first meet in New Delhi and then in Islamabad.

Further, Aziz said the PM also sought information on the progress in the trial of Samjohta Express. While, regarding the Mumbai trial PM Nawaz conveyed to Modi that more evidence and information were needed to expedite the trial.

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Meanwhile, issues of bilateral trade also came under discussion which, Aziz said, will now be followed up through different channels.

The adviser also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protect its security and promote the national interest.

“The peaceful neighbourhood is the centrepiece of PM’s foreign policy vision because it would best promote our national interest and would allow the government to focus on socioeconomic uplift of the people,” the premier’s senior aide added.

Earlier, Aziz said the PM discussed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with the Chinese president while improving of bilateral relations with Russia came under discussion with Vladimir Putin.