On the other hand, in an apparent attempt to escape the blame for thwarting talks, Pakistan went into a huddle with their Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif holding a high-level meeting to discuss the Pathankot terror attack, directing officials to speed up work on the leads given by India.
In a distinct hardening of stance, New Delhi on Thursday conveyed in unequivocal terms to Pakistan that ball was in their court to take the peace process forward. “The ball is in Pakistan’s court,” Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup said when asked about the fate of the upcoming foreign secretary-level talks. “Pathankot terror attack has put renewed focus on cross-border terrorism,” he said. “The government’s policy towards Pakistan is clear and consistent. India wants friendly relations with all its neighbours including Pakistan,” said Swarup. “But India will not tolerate cross-border terror,” he added.
When pressed further on India’s stand on the proposed talks, Swarup said, “It will be premature for me to say anything more at this point.” There are reports that there may be a round of talks between NSAs of both countries before the two foreign secretaries meet. Swarup also said that India has not given any deadline to Pakistan though he claimed India has provided “specific and actionable information in this regard” to Pakistan.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the terror attack where he said strict action would be taken against the guilty. PM Modi on his part has refrained from directly naming Pakistan while condemning the terror attack.
Meanwhile in Islamabad, Sharif on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting and discussed the Pathankot terror attack as he directed officials to speed up work on the leads given by India. “Issues pertaining to national and regional security were discussed during the meeting,” said the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting was attended by Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance; Nisar Ali Khan, Minister for Interior; Sartaj Aziz, Advisor on Foreign Affairs; Lt Gen (Retd) Nasser Khan Janjua, National Security Advisor; Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Foreign Secretary; Aftab Sultan, chief of Intelligence Bureau and other officials. Reportedly the meeting discussed the Pathankot attack and the information shared so far by India and to speed up work on the leads given by India.
Reports in Pakistan said, the meeting came as India said it was waiting for “prompt and decisive action” as promised by Sharif to Modi during a telephone call on Tuesday.