India rejected Pakistan’s proposal to hold Foreign Secretary-level talks on Kashmir and asserted that it would like to discuss aspects related to cross-border terrorism which are central to the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Since aspects related to cross-border terrorism are central to the current situation in J and K, India has proposed that discussions between the Foreign Secretaries be focused on them. Responding to Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry’s invitation, India’s Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar expressed his willingness to travel to Islamabad but maintained that Pakistan had no locus standi in addressing any aspect of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which is an internal matter of India, except to put an end to cross-border terrorism and infiltration. India has rejected in its entirety the self-serving allegations regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India. The Foreign Secretary has said great efforts were made to reach out to Pakistan but it clearly faces a unique challenge in Pakistan’s response. Terrorism issue has become so central to the relationship that it makes the ties difficult to grow, that’s how India feels. He also hit out at Pakistan, saying while rest of the region is with India in wanting a much more cooperative and connected South Asia, a “standout country’s” view and attitude towards terrorism as an instrument of policy of diplomacy makes it a “difficult partner” in the region. Pakistan had invited India for talks on Kashmir, saying it is the “international obligation” of both the countries to resolve the issue. The invitation was extended amid tension in bilateral ties due to the war of words between the two nations over the issue. Back home pumped with Saudi money radicalisation has settled deep into the Kashmir psyche especially with the youth. India by raising the PoK issue as the pivotal point for talks has placed Pakistan on a tight position. Prime Minister Narendra Modi by raising the PoK issue has given a new turn to the whole issue. He also got support from the PoK region which too welcomed the move. Now what is to be seen is will it turn out to be a reality or will it vanish in thin air with no results?
