Prime Minister Vajpayee's interview with Jung Group of Newspapers of Pakistan

July 12, 2001

Q. Why did you take so long in inviting General Musharraf? 

At this stage, it would be more purposeful to look to the prospects for the future than to dissect the events of the past. President Musharraf has accepted my invitation and I look forward to his visit.

Q. While Musharraf intends to be flexible, will you be too? And what do you mean when you say “not to tread on beaten tracks”?

In our quest for a new architecture of peace and prosperity in South Asia, we will not shrink from bold and innovative measures. We would naturally be governed in this by our national interests and by our abiding commitment to peace and justice.

Q. Why is India reluctant to implement the Siachen Agreement reached between Ms. Bhutto and Mr. Rajiv Gandhi?

The premise of this question is flawed.  Siachen is a mutually identified subject of bilateral dialogue, on which India has always sought an early resolution.

Q. Similarly, why is India not ready to benefit from the support Pakistan is ready to provide to the oil pipeline project from Iran to India, passing through Pakistan?

We are discussing with Iran various modalities for transfer of Iranian gas to India. The ‘benefit’ from each of the different options on the gas pipeline project will be determined by techno-economic studies. We will naturally decide on a mode of transfer, which is cost effective and secure in the long term after consideration of all political and economic factors.

Q. Do you feel a need to address the strategic imbalance and asymmetry in conventional weapons on the pattern of the Helsinki Security act in Europe?

Asia is a continent of immense diversity and its security situation is very different from that prevailing in Europe during the Cold War.  We have to find our own security framework for Asia compatible with our political, military, economic and cultural realities.

Q. It is believed that you have a mission in the sub-continent.  What is your dream about the future of the sub-continent?

Our subcontinent is extraordinarily rich in human and material resources. I believe that the vision of a peaceful South Asia actively pursuing equitable socioeconomic development through cooperative endeavours can and should be transformed from a dream into concrete reality.

Q. When the Kashmiri freedom fighters said that they would not talk with India within the framework of the Indian Constitution, you said that talks will be held within the framework of “Insaniyat”.  What did you mean by this?  Will you stick to this position during talks with Gen. Musharraf?

Insaniyat is an Urdu word which is widely understood both in Pakistan and in India.  It is a quality which stands above legalistic considerations, sectarian differences and calculations of short-term gains and losses.  I believe Insaniyat should be the ultimate basis for resolution of any difficult problem.

Q. Can you visualize any decrease in your defence budget if the Kashmir issue is solved?

Our defence budget is based on an assessment of the overall security environment in  our region and our desire to maintain an adequate defence preparedness.

Q. Are you open to any solution even remotely changing the present confused status of Kashmir?  Several options have been discussed in the media and even in Track 2. Is any of them worth consideration. In other words, is a solution in your view possible? 

If India and Pakistan engage in peaceful and sincere bilateral dialogue to resolve all differences in perceptions between them, no problem should elude resolution.

Q. Would you ask General Musharraf to support India’s case for membership of Security Council, if everything else goes well and according to your expectation?

All members of the United Nations are aware of our views on the restructuring and reform of the UN to make it more representative of current realities. We naturally welcome the support of all countries for them.

Q. What role do you see for Kashmiri fighters in the near term and long term? If they do not accept a solution worked out between India and Pakistan, how will you deal with them?

You are aware that our democratic polity permits a free expression of political preferences through the ballot. At the same time, our security forces have the necessary capability, resolve and stamina to deal with terrorist groups and foreign mercenaries that foment violence and terrorism against innocent civilians and security forces. 

Q. Can India and Pakistan decide to stop hostile propaganda against each other immediately and allow free flow of ideas, tourists, journalists and trade. Can the summit actually result in more visas, more business services, more trains and more flights between India and Pakistan?

We do not believe in hostile propaganda against our neighbours. We have always believed that people to people contacts contribute to the development of good neighbourly relations by increasing understanding. We have already announced several steps to promote such contacts. This will continue to remain our endeavor.

Q. You have been advocating to acquire a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations and have been struggling for quite a long time as such.  Do you agree with the opinion that to initiate negotiations, on Kashmir, at this stage, is under some compulsion, as you wish to convey this impression to the world community, during the General Assembly to be held in September, that negotiation for the settlement of Kashmir dispute are already underway, therefore, objections and reservation to India’s nomination, for permanent membership of the Security Council, or you are, in fact determined to reserve the Kashmir dispute with all assurance so that an environment of durable peace and convincible security may be achieved.

Our views on the need for reform and restructuring of the UN system and our desire for peaceful good-neighbourly relations with Pakistan are both integral parts of India’s world view.  There is no causal link between the two.

Q. Do you presume China to be enemy number one? Can China harm India, by extending her influence in the region?

We do not think in such terms.  We have a regular and friendly dialogue with China and are increasing our bilateral cooperation in all areas.

Q. US India relations are being postured to a new kind of relationship, which is more enthusiastic than ever before? Do you favour US National Missile Programme? Pakistan and China both have opposed it.  Are such cordial relationships with US in conformity with India’s conventional progressive policy? Will it not affect India’s age-long friendship with Russia?

India and the United States are in the process of forging closer ties, based on many shared values, interests and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.  Our relationship with the US is neither directed against anyone nor is it at the expense of our traditional friendship with other countries, including Russia.

We have welcomed some of the elements of the new strategic framework announced by President Bush, particularly the intention to reduce and de-alert  nuclear weapons. We have also encouraged the United States to pursue its plans through consultation and cooperation, without unilaterally moving away from its international commitments.

Q. How do you see the scenario of South Asia in the forthcoming decade?

South Asia should aim to intensify regional cooperation to promote development in all its countries.  If the countries of South Asia can establish a climate of friendship and trust within the entire region, we can harness our considerable human and material resources to the upliftment of our peoples, and to the satisfaction of their other aspirations.