India will raise the issue of terror links of Pakistan’s ISI, as has been revealed by Pakistani-American terrorist David Headley during the Chicago trial, when the foreign secretaries of the two countries will meet later this week in Islamabad.
Foreign minister S.M. Krishna also said that India will keep pursuing the issue of extradition of Dawood Ibrahim.
“Whatever Headley has revealed under oath in court of law in Chicago, would be relevant for India to take up with Pakistan and then try to get Pakistan’s response to that. Well, that would certainly be taken up with Pakistan,” Krishna told reporters here.
Indicating that terror will be the Central point of the forthcoming talks, he said, “This menace has to be dealt with firmly and transparently, for the common good of India and Pakistan, as well as, the region beyond.” On whether India will raise the issue of extradition of Dawood during the FS-level talks, he said, “We have asked for his extradition so that he could be brought to justice on this country. We will keep pursuing that.”
Foreign secretary Nirupama Rao will be travelling to Islamabad to hold talks with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir on June 23-24 during which they will also take stock of the progress made during the series of high-level meetings between the two countries in key areas of security, trade and commerce and water.
On the outcome of talks at various levels, Krishna said, “We have had a useful exchange of views and have gained a better understanding of each other’s positions. We have always approached our discussions in an open and constructive spirit.”
Expressing disappointment over the slow pace of Mumbaitrial in Pakistan, Krishna said, “I think it is a sad commentary of what is happening there. Whatever occasion we get to interact with the leadership of Pakistan, we always convey it that it is necessary that trial should be hastened.”
He said, “I hope Pakistan realises how serious is the Indian view on this particular question. Our trial has concluded and the appeal is pending with the Supreme Court. Whereas, the trial virtually has not even started in Pakistan, I think even the examination of the witnesses have not begun yet.”
The minister said the talks were aimed at narrowing down the “trust deficit” and to address “all outstanding issues” but added “We have to be patient, realistic and positive”.
“We hope to narrow the trust deficit between our nations and pave way for normalisation of relations by addressing all outstanding issues and concerns, particularly those pertaining to terrorism,” Krishna said, adding he hoped to meet his Pakistani counterpart in July.
Replying to queries on impact of diplomatic face-off between the two countries on MV Suez issue, Krishna said such solitary incidents do not help the relations. “Such instances are not desirable such solitary instances certainly do not help the talks,” he said.
He further added that it is necessary to sort out any misunderstanding between the two countries.
India had already registered a protest with Pakistan and conveyed its unhappiness to the acting high commissioner of Pakistan to India, over the incident.