“The next 4-5 months are important... how things move forward. But there cannot be pre-condition for any talks,” he said.
Basit said Jammu and Kashmir is an important issue and government of India has to fulfil its commitment given to the world.
“It is part of the composite dialogue. We should not shy away from contentious issues. When we will deal with each of the issues, we will be able to move forward,” he said.
Basit said there was a national consensus in Pakistan to have normal friendly relations with India and Islamabad was willing to engage with the new government in New Delhi.
Basit said the government in Pakistan strongly realises that for pursuing the national and regional potential, peace is essential.
Asked whether there is possibility of ‘third party intervention' to resolve bilateral issues, Basit said countries like the US always encourage India and Pakistan to have dialogue but “at the end of the day, the two countries have to sit together and discuss”.
Asked to flag issues which are doable, the High Commissioner said all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen, trade and cultural issue, can be discussed and all issues are doable.
