Before this government took over, India was characterised by the Opposition as a soft state and the previous government was blamed for that. Now that we have a strong government here, when do we expect and how do we expect a befitting reply to Pakistan?
Official spokesperson: Let me try and place our views on this matter so that you all understand where we are coming from. You are aware that the new Indian government was always serious about a bilateral dialogue with Pakistan. We had also made it clear that such a bilateral dialogue should be in a peaceful atmosphere and without the shadow of terrorism.
You are also aware that from the first day that this government took office, we have shown readiness to take the first step and engage with Pakistan in a peaceful manner. But what have we received in return? It is there for all of you to see. A media spectacle before exploratory talks between Foreign Secretaries, hostile propaganda against India at the international level, continued terrorism against India, and more recently violence against our citizens on the international boundary.
Therefore, we are in a mode that we will respond appropriately; it is for Pakistan to either escalate or de-escalate; we will respond as appropriate to what will be their efforts in this regard. First and foremost, Pakistan and its security forces need to end the current adventurism along the international border and the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir. Peace and tranquillity along the international border and Line of Control needs to be completely restored so that our civilian populations can return to their homes and their lives. While we will not talk out of fear, we have no fear of talks.
Sir, recently, Pakistan issued a statement saying that India should not escalate the situation and that both the countries are nuclear powers. In a way, Pakistan is saying it is also a nuclear power. What is your viewpoint on this?*
Official spokesperson: Maine abhi jawab diya hai (I just gave an answer), de-escalation is now entirely in Pakistan's hands.
Pakistan is alleging that it was India which started this shelling. How are we going to take that?
Official spokesperson: I am aware of these allegations which have originated in Pakistan. I have just to recall something that these allegations are being made by those that harboured Al Qaeda Chief Osama Bin Laden for over a decade at a military garrison town inside Pakistan, while telling their western partners who provided them assistance and military aid that they were supporting the global war on counter-terrorism against Al Qaeda. I rest my case beyond that.
There have been some reports that after the heavy retaliation by India, the firing has stopped to a large extent on the international border also. Can you confirm what are the inputs you are getting on that?
Official spokesperson: You are aware that I only respond to diplomatic issues, which are on the table between them. What happens on the border is for our brave sentinels of the border to respond to. There are mechanisms that are in place which are providing that information, and I would request you to follow those.
The Norwegian Nobel Peace Committee has awarded an Indian and a Pakistani this year's peace prize. Do you have a response to that particularly given that the president will be heading to Norway very shortly? Is that the return present perhaps?
Official spokesperson: Return gifts are always given afterwards, I thought we all are aware of this. Maybe you may like to rephrase that question. But that said, I think the president has already issued a statement on this and I would draw your attention to that statement, which is now already in the public domain. If you would like, I would request the Press Secretary to read that out.
Press Secretary to president: Let me deal with the Indian part and what the President of India has said. The President of India has congratulated Kailash Satyarthi on winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to abolish child labour in the country. He has said that the prize should be seen as recognition of the contribution of India's vibrant civil society in addressing complex social problems and the important role played by them in collaboration with the government in the nation's efforts to eliminate all forms of child labour in the country.
Sir, Pakistan has repeatedly said that the violation is from India's side. They even took it to the UN (United Nations) and are talking about a UN Review Committee inspection. How does India respond to this?*
Official spokesperson: I think you are all aware that India and Pakistan have signed the Simla Agreement and have agreed to the Lahore Declaration. Both of these bilateral agreements lay down a clear framework of our bilateral relations and how to resolve outstanding issues that exist between India and Pakistan and to build a peaceful and co-operative relationship that will benefit the people of both countries. In both these agreements, clearly, there is no role for third parties. UNMOGIP, as we have already said, performs no practical function along the Line of Control and seems to exist only to waste scarce resources. As far as we are concerned, tools of a bygone era are not going to resolve issues that we confront today.
Edited excerpts from a briefing by the official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs, October 11, in New Delhi.
*Rough English translation of questions originally asked in Hindi
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