India’s tough talk on Thursday on the killing of its soldiers prompted Pakistan to strike a conciliatory note after its initial belligerence, but an early resumption of the bilateral composite dialogue is no longer on the cards.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reached out to India Thursday, saying it was “imperative for both India and Pakistan to take effective steps to restore the ceasefire on the Line of Control”, expressing “sadness” over recent firing incidents. He also emphasised the need for leaders of both nations “not to allow the situation to drift”. But despite the Pakistan PM’s attempts to strike a placatory note, it is unlikely that the secretary-level talks expected to resume at an early date will begin anytime soon, sources said.
Mr Sharif’s remarks came after the strongly-worded statement by defence minister A.K. Antony in Parliament Thursday, where he warned the killing of five Indian soldiers by Pakistan Army commandos would have “consequences on our behaviour” on both the LoC and on India’s relations with Pakistan.
The Pakistani leader also said he was looking forward to his proposed meeting with PM Manmohan Singh at the UN next month; but external affairs minister Salman Khurshid said, when asked if that meeting would still take place, said it was too early to take a call.