Lok Sabha Question No. 663 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-20
Subject: UN on Peaceful Talks
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Rahul Ramesh Shewale, Bhartruhari Mahtab

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.663

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.11.2019

## UN ON PEACEFUL TALKS

## 663.    SHRI RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE: SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the United Nations (UN) has advised India and Pakistan to focus on resolving their differences peacefully through dialogue in the recent past and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is a fact that India has raised the issue of ceasefire violations and terrorism sponsored by Pakistan on various international platforms and if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of Governments of other countries against Pakistan; and
- (c) the other steps taken by the Government to resume bilateral talks and resolve differences between the two countries?

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

(a) The Spokesperson of the Secretary General to the United Nations, in a statement on 8 August, 2019 inter alia, referred to the 1972 Simla Agreement between India and Pakistan which provides for resolution of differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations.   Subsequently,   in   a   statement   to   media   on   11   September,   2019   the Spokesperson appealed to both sides to deal with the issue through dialogue.

(b) Government continues to consistently   raise   the   issue   of   Pakistan's   continued support   to   cross-border   terrorism   and   terrorist   infiltration   in   bilateral,   regional   and multilateral   fora.   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 condemened 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 self styled leader of Jaish-e-Mohammad as a UN proscribed terrorist. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), at its plenary in October 2019, decided to retain 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.   These   vindicate   India's   consistent   stand   that internationally designated terrorist groups and individuals continue to operate from and raise financial resources with impunity in Pakistan, and use territories under its control for carrying out cross-border terrorism in India and elsewhere in South Asia.

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.

(c) India   and   Pakistan   maintain   regular   channels   of   communication.   It   has   been consistently conveyed that India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed   to   addressing   issues,   if   any,   bilaterally   and   peacefully.   However,   any meaningful dialogue can only be held in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence. The onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere.

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