New Delhi, Aug 21: India today indicated that it was not keen on resumption of Samjhauta Express unless some decisions were taken by Pakistan on resumption of overflights and additional bus services between Lahore and Delhi. Pakistan was yet to positively respond to its offer for resumption of overflights and introduction of additional buses for the Delhi-Lahore travel, Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar here.
"We do not have any problem with regard to resumption of the Samjhauta rail link. But given Pakistan's attitude towards overflights and the bus service, how can we proceed on the rail link?" Sibal asked. He was responding to a question on the possibility of resumption of rail links between the two countries as proposed by Islamabad.
Asserting that India would pursue step-by-step approach towards improving bilateral ties, Sibal said any talk on resumption of rail link would only "amount to accelerating the pace of normalisation unnecessarily. We have to take a step, consolidate on it and then move further."
Pakistan on July 24 had proposed resumption of rail links between the two countries.
His comments came a week before technical level talks in Islamabad on resumption of civil aviation links between the two countries. Asked when did he expect bilateral dialogue to resume, Sibal said, "Talks have already started indirectly with the high commissioners of both the countries in place."
"Whatever political message has to be given, can be delivered through the respective high commissioners," he said.
However, as far as the resumption of ministry level talks between India and Pakistan was concerned, it would begin only after Pakistan takes effective steps on ending cross-border terrorism, the foreign secretary said.
"Our doors will be open once the menace of cross-border terrorism is put to end by Pakistan," he said when his attention was drawn towards the recent spate of visits by parliamentarians from both sides.
Asked about the statement of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf that he wants to start the dialogue process "immediately", Sibal said, "He says so as this suits him. By talking about dialogue, he wants to sideline our concerns about terrorism emanating from that country."
"Why doesn't he say that he will put an immediate end to cross-border terrorism," Sibal asked. Bureau Report