The freeze in cricketing ties wasn’t the only indication of strained relations – the two countries were locked in crossfire exchange as each accused the other of violations across the Line of Control; NSA level-talks had been cancelled in August; and India had cancelled secretary level talks – that had been agreed to during Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit for Narendra Modi’s inauguration ceremony – over Pakistan’s decision to meet Kashmiri separatist leaders in August past year.
Advertisement
Since taking office in 2014, Modi has authorised a more robust approach to Pakistan, giving security forces the licence to retaliate forcefully along their disputed border and demanding an end to insurgent attacks in Indian territory.
However, he said the situation regarding the bilateral series between Pakistan and India is not clear.
Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi called upon all sides in Afghanistan to resume peace talks at an early date in the larger interest of the country. Sharif also told worldwide media that he was prepared for unconditional discussions.
Swaraj, who was accompanied by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan T.C.A. Raghavan and envoy to Afghanistan Amar Sinha, said terrorism in that country has grown in both intensity and scope in the last few months and that India was ready to work with the Afghan government to strengthen its defensive capability. “My expectations are good and positive”, Aziz said.
He said the key achievements include political consultation involving Afghanistan and its neighbors and the regional countries with a view to promoting mutual trust in the areas of security and economic interaction. Speaking at the opening session, Aziz and Karzai expressed hope that the conference will help evolve strategy against the threat of terrorism and extremism.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan believes a decision on the India-Pakistan limited-overs cricket series will be taken during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visit to Islamabad on Tuesday-Wednesday. The Istanbul Process provides a new agenda for regional cooperation in the “Heart of Asia” by placing Afghanistan at its centre.
The conference aims to cement regional ties through a set of confidence building measures.
Advertisement
“Today, extremism, terrorism and narcotics pose great challenges and threats to Afghanistan, the region and the entire world and unfortunately the terror groups are increasing the extent of their infiltration into Afghanistan”, Zarif said.
