Lok Sabha Question No. 900 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-02-07
Subject: NSA Level Talk with Pakistan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.900 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2018

## NSA LEVEL TALK WITH PAKISTAN

900. SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan have been speaking to and meeting with each other very frequently despite   the   heightened   cross-border   firing   and   acrimonious exchanges over Jadhav's detention and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  such   meetings   were   held   in   Bangkok   and   Zavidovo   in Russia and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any concrete results have been produced in consequence of such meetings that would potentially reduce the threat of war in the tinderbox of South Asia and make for prevalence of peace and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether   despite   all   the   good   overtures   on   the   part   of   India, Pakistani Army and its spy wing, ISI are incurably and relentlessly committed to fomenting terror in India and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether due to the souring of diplomatic relations with Nepal it has become a hotbed for India specific terrorist activities and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (d) There are established channels of communications at various levels,   including   at   the   level   of   National   Security   Advisors,   to   discuss operational issues such as cross-border terrorist infiltration and border management.   In this context,  the   National   Security   Advisors   met   in Bangkok in December 2017.

At these meetings the Indian side has strongly taken up the core issue of cross-border terrorism fomented by Pakistan. Strong concerns have been shared and protests registered at the incidents of unprovoked cross-border firings and support to cross-border terrorist infiltration from Pakistan.

Pakistan has been asked to abide by its commitment not to allow any territory under its control to be used against India in any manner; to respect the sanctity of the International Boundary and Line of Control; and to adhere to the 2003 understanding on ceasefire along the International

Boundary   and   the   Line   of   Control   in   order   to   maintain   peace   and tranquillity. It   has   been   made   clear   that   the   Government   is   committed   to working   towards   normal   neighbourly   relations   with   Pakistan,   and addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with Simla Agreement and Lahore declaration. However, any meaningful dialogue can be held only in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence. Onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere. Till then, India will continue to take firm and decisive steps to respond to cross-border terrorism. (e) India's   age   old   ties   with   Nepal   are   unique   and   special   and characterized by open border and close people to people contacts. There have been instances of misuse of open border by unscrupulous elements. Both   sides   however   have   been   coordinating   on   security   and   border management issues through various institutionalized bilateral mechanisms such   as   Home   Secretary-level   talks,   Joint   Working   Group   on   Border Management,   Bilateral   Consultative   Group   on   Security   Issues,   and coordination between the security forces. The Government of Nepal has assured that it will not allow its territory to be used for any activity inimical to India.

*****