RAWALPINDI: The talks between the emissaries of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President Bhutto have brought to the fore the realisation of both countries that a durable peace in the subcontinent can be established only through settlement of the problems facing them and not through a formal declaration of peace. … This was clearly indicated not only in the joint statement issued today [April 30] on the talks, but also the answers that Mr D.P. Dhar gave to newsmen’s questions… . …Mr. Dhar said: “Our objective is to establish in the subcontinent primarily between our two countries a peace that lasts, a peace that is fruitful: we are not going to be captives of past labels. We would like to emphasise on principles, rather than be haunted by nomenclatures of the past.”

Asked why the talks were planned to be held towards the end of May or early June and not earlier, Mr. Dhar said the delay did not mean that there was no desire on either side to come to grips with the problems as soon as possible. … … Mr Dhar said: “When the President of Pakistan comes for talks to New Delhi he will come as our friend. We hope it will not be treated as a formal visit, but we will receive him with open heart and open arms as a brother, as one of us.”

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2022