On Thursday, as Indian and Pakistani armies agreed to strictly observe all their ceasefire agreements, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India desires normal neighborly relations with Pakistan and is committed to resolving all issues bilaterally in a peaceful manner, according to PTI.
MEA spokesperson, Anurag Srivastava at a virtual media briefing, told reporters, “On key issues, our position remains unchanged. I don’t think I need to reiterate it.”
A joint statement was issued after a hotline discussion between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan during which the two sides agreed to strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from Wednesday midnight.
The statement said : “Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the [Line of Control] and all other sectors, with effect from midnight [on Friday],” said the statement.
The statement said talks were held “in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere”.
The MEA spokesperson said, “As regards to the joint statement of the DGMOs and related issues, I would refer you to the Ministry of Defense.”
On relations with Pakistan, the spokesperson added that India desires neighborly behavior and cordial relations with Pakistan and will be committed to acknowledge and resolve any conflict, in peaceful and bilateral manner.
India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years with more violations than an observance of the pact.
Army officials asserted that there would be no let-up in its fight against terrorism or in its troop deployment along the borders, following the new commitment that they described as a fresh attempt at peace in the region.