The Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan met in New Delhi on
17-18 January 2006 to commence the third round of talks under the
India-Pakistan Composite Dialogue framework. Foreign Secretary of
India Shri Shyam Saran led the Indian delegation while the Pakistan
delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan. They
discussed issues related to ‘Peace and Security including CBMs’ and
‘Jammu and Kashmir’. The talks were held in a cordial atmosphere and
were constructive.
2. The two Foreign Secretaries assessed the developments in
bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction at the progress made
during the Composite Dialogue process. The two sides reaffirmed
their commitment to move forward the peace process in a meaningful
way during the third round. They recalled the outcome of the
discussions between the President of Pakistan and Prime Minister of
India reflected in the Joint Statements of 6 January 2004, 24
September 2004, 18 April 2005 and 14 September 2005. Recalling the
Joint Statement of 4 October 2005 issued at the conclusion of
meeting of the Foreign Minister of Pakistan and the Minister for
External Affairs of India, the two sides reiterated their resolve to
carry forward the peace process and maintain its momentum.
3. On the issue of Peace and Security including CBMs, the two
Foreign Secretaries reviewed and assessed positively the progress
made during the meetings of experts on Nuclear and Conventional CBMs.
The two Foreign Secretaries, with the objective of promoting a
stable environment of peace and security, agreed to mandate the two
experts groups to continue consultations on security concepts and
nuclear doctrines to develop measures for confidence building in the
nuclear and conventional fields aimed at avoidance of conflict,
including, inter alia, consideration of the following:
(i) Continue discussions with a view to finalising an agreement on
“Reducing Risk of Nuclear Accidents or Unauthorised Use of Nuclear
Weapons”, on which a draft has been presented by India;
(ii) Conclusion of an agreement on prevention of incidents at sea in
order to ensure safety of navigation by naval vessels, and aircraft
belonging to the two sides. The Pakistani side indicated that they
will present a draft of such an agreement;
(iii) Elaborating, consistent with its intent, the agreement reached
on no development of new posts and defence works along the LoC. The
Indian side handed over proposed elements;
(iv) Modalities for the conduct of already agreed monthly flag
meetings between local commanders at the selected sectors. Both
sides handed over suggested modalities.
4. The two Foreign Secretaries had a detailed exchange of views on
Jammu & Kashmir and agreed to continue the sustained dialogue in a
purposeful and forward looking manner to find a peaceful and
negotiated final settlement.
5. The Foreign Secretaries noted with satisfaction the opening of
the five crossing points across the Line of Control, and hoped that
the process of promoting greater interaction between the divided
families would get further impetus. They reiterated their commitment
to start a bus service between Poonch and Rawalakot and a truck
service on Muzaffarabad-Srinagar route for trade in permitted goods
as soon as the infrastructure damaged during the October 2005
earthquake is restored.
6. The two Foreign Secretaries recalled their decision of 2004
regarding provision of consular access to all civilian prisoners and
fishermen and their early repatriation on humanitarian grounds.
7. Both sides reiterated their resolve to simultaneously reopen
their respective Consulates General in Mumbai and Karachi and to
facilitate the process.
8. Both sides discussed the schedule of meetings, including
technical level meetings, under the Composite Dialogue framework.
The Foreign Secretaries and Foreign Ministers will meet thereafter
to review the third round of the Composite Dialogue.
9. Both sides also agreed to hold early meetings of the technical
level working groups of the Joint Commission on Agriculture, Health,
Science & Technology, Information, Education, I.T. &
Telecommunication, Environment and Tourism so that they can report
their progress to the Joint Commission.
10. The Foreign Secretary of Pakistan called on Prime Minister Dr.
Manmohan Singh and Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E.
Ahmed during the course of his visit to New Delhi.
New Delhi
18 January 2006
