Search the Internet          Tips  Indo-Pak Summit

Text of Jaswant Singh's statement

Minister for External Affairs Jaswant Singh, in a media briefing on Tuesday morning, said that Pakistan's unifocal approach, refusal to accept cross-border terrorism as an issue, and attempt to wish away previous agreements between the two sides proved the key to the failure of the Agra Summit.

The text of his statement reads as follows:

"My apologies for keeping you waiting. There is a prepared statement, which I am informed will be distributed to you soon after this press conference is over. However I will read it out for you first.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf visited India between 14-16 July, 2001.

In keeping with his abiding vision of good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan, the prime minister had invited President Musharraf to walk the high road of peace and reconciliation. Our commitment to that noble objective, upon the attainment of which rests the welfare of many, is not transitory. It is that commitment that was demonstrated at Simla and Lahore and recently during President Musharraf's visit.

Significant confidence building measures that were announced prior to President Musharraf's visit would be fully implemented on our part. It is our conviction that, when put in place, they will make an important contribution to our relations.

During his visit, the president of Pakistan had extensive discussions with our entire leadership. These included three rounds of one-to-one meetings with the prime minister, and an hour-long farewell call prior to his departure on Monday night. There were also detailed discussions during delegation level talks. All these meetings were marked by cordiality and candour. They provided and invaluable opportunity to both sides to understand each other's viewpoints, concerns and compulsions.

Our negotiations for an agreed text of document were seriously pursued. There were long hours of discussions at official and political levels. During these negotiations India did not shy away from any issue. In keeping with the confidentiality, which is necessary for these negotiations and maintenance of which is necessary for the future bilateral relations themselves, it would not be proper to go into details. However, it needs assertion that, during the negotiating process, India fully respected all established international norms. As a responsible and mature democracy, we negotiate to improve bilateral relations with our neighbours, not to indulge in public relations

We are, of course, disappointed that the two sides could not arrive at an agreed text. It will not be a breach of confidentiality to clarify that this was on an account of the difficulty of reconciling our basic approaches to bilateral relations. India is convinced that narrow, segmented or unifocal approaches will simply not work. Our focus has to remain on the totality of the relationship; our endeavour to build trust and confidence, and a mutually beneficial relationship even as we address and move forward on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir; building upon the existing compacts of Simla and Lahore.

It was also made abundantly clear to the Pakistan side during the visit, that the promotion of cross-border terrorism and violence are unacceptable and must cease. Let there be no illusion on this score: India has the will and the resolve to defeat all such challenges.

We will pick up threads from the visit of the president of Pakistan. We will unceasingly endeavour to realise our vision of a relationship of peace, friendship and cooperation with Pakistan."

Jaswant Singh further refuted rumours that Prime Minister Vajpayee had turned down President Musharraf's invitation to Pakistan. "The invitation has been accepted, and the acceptance stands," the minister said.

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report