Up against criticism from various quarters over the recent joint statement with Pakistan in Egypt, the UPA government came out strongly in defence of the action, even as it contended that the future of dialogue in any form will depend upon Islamabad?s action against terrorism.
?The resumption of talks with Pakistan will all depend on the action taken by the country against terrorism. India has stated its position and has started limited dialogue at the level of foreign secretaries,? top government sources said on Friday.
Dispelling the perception in a few sections of media as well as political establishment that India had given away much to Pakistan in the joint statement at Sharm el-Sheikh, the sources conceded that the statement could have been better drafted by officials. They, however, maintained that it strengthened India?s stand on terrorism.
?Pakistan cannot shy away from taking an action against terror irrespective of whether or not the dialogue takes place. India holds that there can be no dialogue till Pakistan takes action to end cross-border terrorism on the same lines as it has done against Taliban,? explained sources.
The joint statement which also included a mention of Balochistan has been criticised by the Opposition and experts as ?capitulation? and ?surrender? that has allegedly diluted India?s position on terrorism.
?People are missing the woods for the trees. We have brought the focus back on terrorism. And it?s not limited to just Mumbai,? the source added. They, however, admitted that the ?limited dialogue? had been initiated in the sense that the foreign secretaries have met and will continue to meet.
On the Balochistan issue, sources close to the government vehemently denied a Pakistani media report, which claimed that Islamabad had given to New Delhi a ?dossier? about India?s involvement in Balochistan.
?Our hands are clean. We have nothing to hide,? the sources said.