Lok Sabha Question No. 5080 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-24
Subject: Bilateral Talks with Pakistan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shivkumar Chanabasappa Udasi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5080

TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.07.2019

## BILATERAL TALKS WITH PAKISTAN

5080.SHRI SHIVAKUMAR C.UDASI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is ready for bilateral talks with Pakistan and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the action that Government has sought from Pakistan to show that it has addressed India's concerns over terrorism; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government so far since the suspension of bilateral dialogue with   Pakistan   to   dissuade   Pakistan   for   its support to terrorism and the details of further action that are under consideration?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (c) The Government desires normal neighbourly relations  with Pakistan and is committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. However, any meaningful dialogue can only be held in an atmosphere   free   from   terror,   hostility   and   violence.   The   onus   is   on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere.

India has asked Pakistan to take credible and irreversible steps to end   cross-border   terrorism   and   dismantle   terrorist   infrastructure   in territory under its control. Till then, India  will continue to take firm and decisive   steps   to   respond   to   all   attempts   at   cross   border   terrorist infiltration and supporting cover fire by Pakistan forces.

Following major cross-border terror attacks in India, the Indian forces carried   out   counter-terror   Surgical   strike   against   terrorist   launch   pads along the Line of Control in September 2016; and pre-emptive counter terrorism air strike against terrorist camp in Balakot, Pakistan in February 2019. After the Pulwama cross-border terror attack in February 2019, India withdrew   the   Most   Favoured   Nation   status   accorded   to   Pakistan   and imposed a Customs Duty of 200% on all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan. Government of India suspended cross-LoC trade from 19 April   2019   on   receiving   reports   that   cross-LoC   trade   routes   are   being misued   by   Pakistan   based   elements   for   funnelling   illegal   weapons, narcotics and fake currency.

Globally, as a result of Government's persistent efforts, there is enhanced concern in the international community at terrorism emanating

from   Pakistan,   including   the   continuing   activities   of   internationally designated   terrorist   entities   and   individuals   such   as   Jamaat-ud   Dawa (JuD),   Lashkar-e-T aiba   (LeT),   Jaish-e-Mohammad,   Hizbul   Mujahideen. International community strongly condemned the cross-border terrorist attack in Pulwama in February 2019. Major partner countries have called upon Pakistan to not allow its territory to be used for terrorism in any manner. Many terrorist entities and individuals who find shelter in Pakistan and are also engaged in terrorism against India have been proscribed by the United Nations (UN), the European Union and other countries. On 01 May 2019, the United Nations 1267 Sanctions Committee designated Masood Azhar,  the   leader   of   Jaish-e-Mohammad,   as   a   UN   proscribed terrorist. The Financial Action T ask Force (FATF) at its Plenary   in June 2018, notified Pakistan in the 'Grey List' due to continuing terror financing related concerns, including with respect to the UN proscribed terrorist entities like LeT, JuD and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation. India's call to condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestation; zero tolerance to terrorism; rejection of any justification for an act of terror;   delinking   terror   from   religion;   need   for   all   forces   believing   in humanity to unite in fight against terrorism has found greater acceptance among the international community, and is reflected in a number of outcome documents issued after bilateral Summit meetings with various countries,   and   at   regional   and   multilateral   fora,   such   as   Shangai

Cooperation Organization; G20; BRICS, among others.

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