India aware of 'trust deficit', will clear the air

The Indian government is trying its best to keep Thursday's talks with Pakistan at a low key.

It is trying to shift itself slowly away from the no win-no loss situation to avoid any setbacks from the first high-level talks with Pakistan after the Sharm-el-Sheikh dialogue in July 2009. However, it is not all pessimistic. The importance of the talks lies in the fact that Thursday's baby step of secretary-level talks may or may not open the possibility of future dialogues.

High-level sources in the government say that "no joint statement is being contemplated".

The two foreign secretaries will be meeting amid an air of suspicion and distrust.

According to sources in government, the Indian government is going into the talks with an "open mind," but in view of the "trust deficit" it will not "pre-judge the outcome."

The government, which initiated the talks, is saying that it is aware of the "trust deficit," meaning it is not blindly playing the game.

"Given the complexities involved," a source in the government claimed, "We will clear the air as much as possible."

The source said that by holding the talks with Pakistan, the Indian side is "seeking to take the first step, even if small," which may grow "the possibility of a future dialogue."