India has turned down a tentative offer of dialogue made by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who expressed his willingness to hold talks with India. Sharif said that the two countries cannot be “normal neighbours” unless serious issues are addressed through peaceful and meaningful discussions.
Official sources said that “They have given statements like these earlier too. In fact, this is their tactic to please the international community and to build a global image. By making this offer, Sharif wants to attract the attention of institutions like the IMF and World Bank, as Pakistan is in a serious financial crisis.”
“Merely making such overtures won’t help. If they want to improve relations, they will have to ensure action on borders, cross border infiltration is on, massive influx of drugs is also being seen,” sources said, adding, “If they want to improve relations, initiative has to be taken by them only.”
The diplomats here told The Daily Guardian that what Sharif has said is nothing but Pakistan’s tactics at a time when the country is reeling under massive financial crisis. “In fact, Pakistan wants to project itself as a responsible country as it seeks funds from various institutions and several countries,” diplomats said. “We are prepared to talk to them (India) provided the neighbour is serious to talk about serious matters on the table,” said Sharif while sharing the stage with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Special Representative and Vice Premier He Lifeng on Tuesday. The official sources also pointed out that Pakistani officials have also admitted that the state is engaged in pushing drugs into India.
India wants Pakistan to take action against terror outfits operating from territory under its control. “Where is the action on the part of the Sharif government?” asks a diplomat, reacting to the Pakistan PM’s offer of resuming talks with India. “It is Shehbaz Sharif only, who had said a few months ago that a dialogue with India would be possible only if the latter revokes Article 370 move,” said a diplomat. “Pakistan’s claim to be serious about resuming talks with India to normalise relations is preposterous, given its track-record of raising Kashmir pitch every time any conclave takes place,” sources said. “India’s clear and long-held position is that terror and talks cannot go together.
Pakistan has yet to show credible action on terror,” an official said. In an interview with Nikkei Asia in May this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had categorically said that India wants normal bilateral ties with Pakistan, adding that “it is incumbent upon them (Pakistan) to create a conducive environment free from terrorism and hostilities. The onus is on Pakistan to take necessary steps in this regard.”