Search the Internet          Tips  Indo-Pak Summit

Nobody expected a miracle: Deve Gowda

Aziz Haniffa in Washington

While it is unfortunate that the Agra summit between India and Pakistan ended in failure, India's sincerity would be clearly acknowledged by the international community, former prime minister Deve Gowda said on Monday.

In a brief interaction with reporters at a reception accorded to him by Ambassador Lalit Mansingh, Deve Gowda, who is here to attend the Indian American Friendship Council's 10th anniversary celebration as guest of honour, said, "The sincere attempt made by the Indian government will be understood by the international community."

While noting that the breakdown of talks was indeed "unfortunate," he said, "In one meeting, nobody can expect a miracle is going to take place. That is what we have anticipated, but our sincerity and attempts, nobody can question."

Asked if he was surprised by the invitation to Musharraf for talks and then by New Delhi pulling out all stops to give the Pakistan leader a warm welcome, the former premier said, "There is no question of surprise. This was only to see the situation is improved, so that all longstanding issues can be settled. At the same time, nobody expected any miracle."

"India has sincerely tried its best to create a healthy atmosphere by inviting the Pakistani chief. It is our primary concern to see that both countries should come nearer forgetting all past events," he said.

According to Deve Gowda, this was the sole purpose behind New Delhi's invitation to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. "We initiated the talks, but unfortunately it failed."

Musharraf, he felt, "has not understood the sincerity of India."

Deve Gowda said Vajpayee's acceptance of Musharraf's invitation to visit Pakistan was a good sign that the peace process could be revived. "With such meetings, such summits, things will start improving. That's all we can expect at this juncture."

"The Indian government always wants peace. Our efforts will continue in that direction," he said.

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report