Foreign Secretary level talks between India and Pakistan begin in Islamabad today. Terrorism is high on the agenda of the two-day talks. The discussions assume importance in the wake of revelations made by Pakistani born American David Coleman Headley in a US court. Headley had revealed that ISI was involved in the Mumbai terror attacks. Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and his Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir are set to discuss a host of issues to take the peace process forward. India has given a list of fugitives to Pakistan for extradition. They include under world Don Dawood Ibrahim and top militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba. Ahead of the talks, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna said that the trial of those involved in 26/11 Mumbai attacks must be hastened in Pakistan to bring to the book the perpetrators of the heinous crime. Mr Krishna said that it is sad commentary that the trial has not yet started and Islamabad must take note of sentiments involved in it. India is of the view that terrorism needs to be dealt with firmly for common good of the two countries and that is why Pakistan has to act firmly to tackle the menace .This will help in bridging the trust deficit and create congenial atmosphere for taking forward the talks. Jammu and Kashmir, Sir Sircreek, confidence building measures and issues relating to water may also come up for discussions. This is the second round of between the two foreign secretaries after India and Pakistan decided to resume the dialogue in Thimpu during the meeting of the two Prime Ministers on the sidelines of the SAARC summit in April last year
News On AIR | June 23, 2011 9:06 AM
FS-level talks between India & Pakistan begin in Islamabad