Why Narendra Modi govt cancelled diplomatic talks with Pakistan: Explained

Bangalore, Aug 19: Sending a serious warning to the neighbouring country, Narendra Modi government on Monday, Aug 18 announced that India would not continue bilateral talks with

. Here's why Indian government took this decision.

Pakistan ignored India's previous warnings:

• Foreign Secretaries of both India and Pakistan were scheduled to meet on August 25 in Islamabad.
• Meanwhile, Abdul Basit, Pakistani High Commissioner, invited Kashmiri separatists to meet with him in Delhi.
• Pakistan's invitation to the separatists leaders irked Indian high commission. India warned the neighbouring country of not meeting separatist leaders in India. The separatists Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Shah are known for their anti-India rhetoric.
• The government sources informed that Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh had spoken to the Pakistani High Commissioner over phone and warned, "Either talk to separatists or talk to us."
• Snubbing all warnings from India, Pakistani High Commissioner in Delhi met Shabit Shah on Monday.

Violation of ceasefire at India-Pakistan border:

• Already angered and aggrieved by repeated ceasefire violations at border, India took this bonhomie as interference in internal matter and cancelled the upcoming talk.
• Around 50 border violation has been done by Pakistani troops in this year and that has been increased since new Government took the power.
• However, Pakistan denied all allegations and retaliated by saying India should not practice "a blame game."

India took its tough stand:

• Spokesperson of Foreign Ministry of India -- Syed Akbaruddin finally announced, "It was underlined that the Pakistani High Commissioner's meetings with these so-called leaders of the Hurriyat undermine the constructive diplomatic engagement initiated by Prime Minister Modi in May on his very first day in office".
• He also said, "Under present circumstances, it seems no useful purpose will be served by the Foreign Secretary visiting Islamabad, therefore the visit stands cancelled."

How did Pakistan react to India's decision?

• Foreign Office of Pakistan termed India's decision as a setback to efforts by prime ministers to promote good neighbourly relations.
• In an official statement, Pakistan said, "It is a long-standing practice that prior to Pakistan- India talks, meetings with Kashmiri leaders are held to facilitate meaningful discussions on the issue of Kashmir."

Pakistan's High Commissioner continues to meet separatists in India:

• Despite all hullabaloos, Abdul Basit met Hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Delhi on Tuesday.
• He is also expected to meet Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF leader Mohammad Yasin Malik.

OneIndia News