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Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi
India will not resume talks with Pakistan till that country gives 'cogent and convincing' proof that it is discontinuing cross-border terrorism, a top Ministry of External Affairs official told rediff.com in response to the US suggestion to 're-engage' Pakistan.
The official, however, said the US efforts to bring India and Pakistan to the negotiating table were 'understandable' given the volatile security situation in the South Asian region.
But the official disputed the US suggestion that infiltration across the Line of Control in Kashmir has come down.
"On the contrary, we have reasons to believe that the cross-border terrorists are getting ready to sneak in. In such a [volatile] situation, the government is convinced that the atmosphere is not conducive [to hold talks]. Merely clamouring for a dialogue will not do," the official said.
The official, however, said the 'differing perceptions [with the US on the question of infiltration] will not affect our 'mutually growing relations'. "We understand their concerns too," the official said.
But the official asserted the US realised that the 'evidence [about cross-border terrorism] is overwhelming'.
On the Jammu and Kashmir election, the official said, "The polls in J&K were transparent and seen by the world. Despite the Pakistani propaganda, the international community witnessed for itself our sincerity in holding the polls."
On the visit by Richard Haas, US state department policy planning official, to persuade the Indian leadership to move towards a dialogue with the Musharraf regime, the official said, "India differs with the American perception on the issue."
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