Ahead of talks, India, Pak differ on scope, content

Major differences on the composition and mandate of the dialogue process between India and Pakistan have arisen ahead of the foreign secretaries’ meet in Islamabad on August 25.

Major differences on the composition and mandate of the dialogue process between India and Pakistan have arisen ahead of the foreign secretaries’ meet in Islamabad on August 25.

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Sources familiar with the details told HT that Pakistan is pushing for a dialogue format which India cannot accept.

Pakistan wants to upgrade the component dealing with Jammu and Kashmir, peace and security, to the national security advisor level. Currently, these issues are handled by foreign secretaries.

This push to upgrade the talks could be interpreted as Islamabad's keenness to project that resolving the Kashmir issue is central to resolving India-Pakistan tussles.

The dialogue between foreign secretaries could pave the way for a meet between the Prime Ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Pakistan is also trying to include a discussion on water-related issues, which India has long resisted.