Q. 1740 CBMs with Pakistan

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that civil societies both in India and Pakistan are earnestly making a plea for adoption of Confidence Building measures (CBMs) to strengthening relations between two countries ; and

(b) if so, the action the Ministry has initiated in this connection?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED),

(a) The Government and people of India desire friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations with Pakistan. The leaders of Pakistan have from time to time conveyed that the Government and people of Pakistan desire harmonious, cooperative and friendly relations between two countries.

(b) During the Foreign Secretary levels talks held in Islamabad on June 24, 2011, both sides decided to convene separate Expert level meetings on Nuclear and Conventional Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to discuss implementation and strengthening of existing arrangements and to consider additional measures, which are mutually acceptable, to build trust and confidence and promote peace and security. The issue was also discussed during the meeting between External Affairs Minister and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister held on July 27, 2011 in New Delhi and both sides agreed to convene separate expert level meetings on Nuclear and Conventional CBMs on a mutually convenient date. Further, during the meeting, the Ministers decided on several CBMs aimed at strengthening and streamlining trade and travel arrangements across the Line of Control. The separate Expert level meetings on Conventional and Nuclear CBMs were held on December 26-27, 2011 in Islamabad. In the meetings, both sides reviewed the implementation and strengthening of existing CBMs and agreed to explore possibilities for mutually acceptable additional CBMs.

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