The Hindu : India, Pak. talks on air links 'inconclusive'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 29, 2003

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India, Pak. talks on air links 'inconclusive'

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD AUG. 28. The process of normalisation of ties between India and Pakistan has hit a roadblock with the civil aviation experts on both sides failing to achieve a breakthrough on resumption of air links and overflight facilities. The only consolation is the understanding to continue the talks at a date and venue to be announced after mutual consultation.

As anticipated, Pakistan's insistence on some form of a commitment that in future there would be no "unilateral suspension" of overflight facilities was the main hurdle. But the Indian delegation did not put it across as the reason for the "inconclusive talks".

While Pakistan suggested the immediate resumption of air links pending an agreement on overflights, India did not agree to the proposal on the ground that both issues were inter-linked. India's contention is that allowing or not allowing overflights was the sovereign right of a country and that there could be no conditionalities attached to it.

Conscious of the repercussions on the peace process if the talks were termed unsuccessful, both sides agreed to continue the dialogue. A brief statement issued at the end of the two-day talks in Rawalpindi said that the "technical level talks between Pakistan and India on resumption of civil aviation were held in a cordial and business-like atmosphere.

The talks provided an opportunity to the two sides to understand each other's perspective position. It was decided to continue the talks. New dates would be announced after mutual consultation".

There is no surprise element over the failure of the experts to arrive at a pact. Minutes after the talks began, the Indian delegation pointed out that the proposal for a commitment against the unilateral suspension of overflights was not part of the original agenda circulated by Islamabad. The delegation said it needed time to look at various aspects related to it.

Notwithstanding this major irritant, there was agreement on several aspects. At the time of suspension of air links, there were 12 flights operating between Mumbai-Karachi and Lahore and New Delhi. It was agreed in principle that the frequency of operations as well as destinations should be increased. It was also agreed that private airlines should be allowed to operate in both the countries.

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