Too early to normalise relations with Pakistan: Indian Defence Minister AK Antony

Cross-border tensions on the Line of Control (LoC) have eased after talks between India and Pakistan, but it is “too early” for India to normalise relations with its western neighbour, Indian Defence Minister AK Anthony was quoted by the Indian media.

Talking to reporters, Defence Minister AK Antony said infiltration attempts are going on even in extreme winters and wondered that “if this is the case now, what will be the position in summers”?

According to the Indian Defence Minister, ties between Pakistan and India will take time to normalise.

Anthony further said that tension along the Line of Control (Loc) had decreased following talks between DG Military Operations of India and Pakistan.

“After the latest round of talks between the two DGMOs, the tension in the LoC has reduced but I cannot say or set a timeline for normalising the atmosphere there. It depends on so many factors. We have to cross our fingers and after the tragic and inhuman incident, even though Pakistan has assured us certain things, we have to see how this assurance translates into action,” Antony said.

He was asked about the situation on the LoC and the threat faced by India from Islamic terrorism. He said it is “too early about normalising the relations. We have to wait and watch and assess the ground situation and other factors. Regarding the future course of action and relations in the future, we will not take a hasty decision.”

Tensions between India and Pakistan were heightened earlier this month after a series of cross-border exchanges in the disputed Kashmir region where in which five soldiers were killed on both sides. India claims that one of its soldiers was beheaded.

Firing and small skirmishes are common along the 740km LoC despite a ceasefire that was agreed in 2003. The Indian army says eight of its soldiers were killed in 2012, in 75 incidents of ceasefire violations.

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Posted by Web Desk on Jan 24 2013. Filed under National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.