India and Pakistan have made some progress in relaxing visa restrictions, but there are still some hurdles, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday.
“I think we took some decisions about relaxation of visas [restrictions], and some progress has been made. But there are still some hindrances which can be addressed,” he said, speaking at a function to mark the 10th anniversary of the South Asia Free Media Association here.
He called for a free flow of information. “When I am suggesting that there be a free flow of information, sometimes the visa restrictions which are applicable to even journalists could be eased.”
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Mr. Mukherjee said he would be happy if talks between parliamentary delegations of the two countries were kept away from the media glare initially, so that they could make some positive contributions to influencing decision-makers.
The signing of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation agreement on trade at the 16th SAARC Summit in April should strengthen economic cooperation by expanding intra-regional investments and production opportunities, he said. “I hope the ratification of these agreements by other countries would help realise the full potential of services.” The inter-regional cooperation had strengthened physical connectivity and helped to overcome the global economic and food crisis.
Pointing out that Ajmal Kasab, the main accused in the Mumbai attacks, did not get a visa to visit India, Rajya Sabha member Mani Shankar Aiyar sought to know why governments were making it difficult for people to visit their families.
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Asked about his opinion on the visit of parliamentary delegations from both the countries, he said: “This is a question of Parliament. Parliamentary delegations are not handled by the government but by the Speakers.”
The former External Affairs Minister, Yashwant Sinha, said the initiatives taken by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, when he was the Prime Minister, to resolve the differences between India and Pakistan were path-breaking. “As long as the government listens to the Joint Secretaries and diplomats, we can never have peace with Pakistan.”
Mr. Sinha said India should adopt an “asymmetrical” approach, without insisting on reciprocity from other countries. “India is a large country and needs to show generosity.”