On Indo-Pak talks agenda, flexibility on Siachen

A mutually agreed verification mechanism will pave the way for redeployment of troops from Siachen Glacier. This was an issue where Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had shown flexibility during his visit to Delhi in April. For India, authentication of existing troop positions is a must while it can be flexible on the way this can be carried out as long as it is acknowledged by both sides.

On Sir Creek too, sources said, India can show flexibility on where the vertical line passes as long as the maritime boundary does not get affected. India and Pakistan will sign agreements on pre-notification of missile tests and setting up of a communication link between maritime forces and consider the several of CBMs already on the table during the External Affairs Minister’s four-day visit, which will also take him to Karachi.

India is expected to push for discussion on an extradition treaty and mutual legal assistance treaty during the talks. The two countries will also revive, after 16 years, the joint Commission under which cooperation in trade, security, information and broadcasting, visa and consular access to detained nationals of the respective countries will be covered.

India is also proposing an agreement on prisoners. This includes exchange of prisoners lists twice a year, in January and July. Also, the two sides will immediately notify detentions of nationals of the other country, providing consular access within three months and conducting verification during detention period to cut delay in deportation.

India will also pursue the proposal of allowing pilgrims and enlarging the number of shrines that could be visited by the devouts.

To encourage tourism, New Delhi will propose tour packages for Pakistanis and enlist the tour operators who could be entrusted the responsibility to promote exchange in this area.