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Track 2 Indo-Pak diplomacy fails to make headway

Amberish K Diwanji in Delhi

If India and Pakistan's bilateral relations are at an all time low, Track 2 diplomacy has also failed to come to grips with the key issues that bedevil Indo-Pak ties. A recent attempt at Track 2 diplomacy in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, aimed at helping improving the relations in the post-Kargil situation, completely failed on bringing the two nations any nearer.

The two sides met under the auspices of the Colombo-based Regional Centre for Strategic Studies. However, even though the present talks made little headway, government officials pointed out that Track 2 diplomacy is an ongoing process.

"In such efforts former officials and diplomats, academics, representatives from think-tanks and journalists are involved," officials at the ministry of external affairs said, adding, "The aim of such talks is to help bring two sides closer."

The Indian side includes former foreign secretary Eric Gonsalves and academics while the Pakistan side included former General Nishat Ahmed, now heading a think-tank, and Professor Iqbal Cheema. They are still in Colombo.

Earlier in Colombo, former Indian prime minister I K Gujral met former Pakistani foreign secretary Niaz Naik. Though both Gujral and Naik were not part of the respective teams holding Track 2 talks, the meeting is not without significance given that both men are known to be keen to improve Indo-Pak relations.

The present talks in Colombo failed because both sides were unable to find a breakthrough in their respective positions on various issues, especially Kashmir.

Nevertheless, MEA officials pointed out such talks serve the purpose of providing the government with key inputs, especially at a time when the two sides have extremely limited official contacts. "When the two sides talk at the Track 2 level, it has the advantage of being unencumbered by the government stand and hence most issues can be raised. Also, since such teams comprise people with different backgrounds (former officials, academics, journalists, etc), they get a clearer picture of the other side and the situation," an official said.

When and where the next round of Track 2 talks will be held is unclear. "In such Track 2 diplomacy, the government really has no role. It is decided by those involved themselves," the official added.

The meetings between the two sides -- especially if the teams comprise former officials who often retain some influence in government -- is usually a step towards an official meeting. Right now, Track 2 diplomacy can only work towards lessening the distrust that exists between the Indian government and General Pervez Musharraf's Pakistani regime.

Meanwhile, the war of words between India and Pakistan continued with General Musharraf, Pakistan's chief executive, reportedly taking exception to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's statements, saying they were not conducive to peace in the region.

The Indian prime minister had said the only way the Kashmir problem could be resolved was by the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to India. Vajpayee has also said a referendum in Kashmir could not be held because Pakistan had not withdrawn from PoK, as mandated by the United Nations resolution. He further warned Pakistan that any nuclear attack on India would invite a massive retaliation.

General Musharraf said such statements did not bode well for peace in the subcontinent and only increased tensions. He said recently the only issue that needed to be resolved between India and Pakistan was the Kashmir issue and warned that this lingering dispute could worsen relations.

MEA spokesman R S Jassal said, "Such a statement from Pakistan is ironic. It is Pakistan that attacked India and occupied territory in Kargil, it is Pakistan that continues to abet and aid cross-border terrorism that only worsens the relations between the two countries, and continues to indulge in hostile propaganda against India."

Asked if this was a new condition that India was putting forth, the spokesman said, "The prime minister's statement is self-evident. We have for long maintained that PoK must be returned and Parliament even passed a resolution in 1994 to that effect. Hence, the prime minister is only reiterating a national resolve," he added.

To make matter worse, the home ministry has called for an end to the plying of the Samjhauta Express between India and Pakistan. However, Home Minister L K Advani said on Monday that this decision would be taken by the MEA.

The Samjhauta Express runs between Delhi and Lahore, crossing the Indo-Pakistan border at Wagah-Attari in Punjab. The Indian police recently arrested people coming in from Pakistan carrying counterfeit currency and the home ministry is concerned that the train is being used by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence directorate to smuggle in counterfeit notes and other contraband.

Minister of State for External Affairs Ajit Kumar Panja, however, says the Samjhauta Express will continue to ply. MEA sources say it is unlikely that India will stop the train from plying since this would put the onus on India as being against improved bilateral relations.

Government sources see a link between the heightened war of words and the visit of United States President Bill Clinton to India. "One reason could be the desperation of the Pakistanis to ensure that Clinton visits or at least stops over in Islamabad. If the situation appears to be deteriorating, then Clinton will most likely stop over to smoke the peace pipe," the sources said.

Another reason offered is to counter General Musharraf's recent statements demanding a resolution to the Kashmir problem and warning of a nuclear war if no solution is found. "By speaking about PoK, the prime minister is aiming to put the ball in Pakistan's court and also warn Islamabad against any misadventure," the sources added.

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