New Delhi
July 6, 2001

The establishment of durable peace and stability between India and Pakistan is vital for both countries. Violence continues to be fomented in Jammu & Kashmir from beyond our borders. This must cease. Encouraged, however, by the relative quiet prevailing along the LOC (Line of Control) and the AGPL (Actual Ground Position Line) in Jammu & Kashmir, the Prime Minister has instructed the Director General of Military Operations of the Indian Army to visit Pakistan to meet his counterpart at an early date of mutual convenience so that the processes for peace along the LOC and the AGPL can be strengthened further and stabilised.

India and Pakistan are committed to engage in bilateral consultations on security concepts and Nuclear Confidence Building Measures. In order to give meaning to this commitment, the Prime Minister has instructed that an official dialogue at the experts level should be proposed immediately. In addition to the official dialogue, non-official exchanges should also be encouraged. The Ministry of External Affairs will initiate action accordingly.