India ready to hold talks with Pakistan but in pleasant environment, says envoy

E-Paper | July 30, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale on Thursday said that his country is ready to restore dialogue process with Pakistan in a pleasant environment.

“We want to restore dialogue process with Pakistan, however, a better environment is necessary in this regard,” Bambawale said while talking to media persons.

The Indian high commissioner said that dialogue process should be held in such an atmosphere that it could be continued for a longer period of time.

Bambawale said Pakistan and India were about to resume the dialogue process but then the incident of Pathankot happened and it could not be restarted.

“There was no fair atmosphere left for holding talks after Pathankot attack,” the high commissioner maintained.

He said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Pakistan on December 25 last year and met his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif at his home in Lahore.

Bambawale added that comprehensive bilateral dialogue was scheduled to be held on January 15 but attack on Pathankot Airbase on January 2 this year changed the scenario completely.

The Indian high commissioner said that diplomats from both the side are working for creating such an environment where dialogue process can be resumed.

He added that India is ready to discuss all the issues with Pakistan. “All the bilateral issued will be discussed once the dialogue process is restored,” Bambawale said.

Both the countries should resume the sports activities as well, he added. “Pakistan and India should play hockey matches beside cricket as it will bring the people from both side much closer,” he suggested.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Satraj Aziz had earlier said India was avoiding dialogue with Pakistan because that meant issues such as Kashmir will have to be negotiated.

Contradicting Indian premier Narendra Modi's recent statement in which he placed the onus of stalled talks on Pakistan, Aziz asserted Pakistan was not refraining from talks with its neighbour.

He said Pakistan had plans for extensive talks with India on issues such as Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, economic cooperation, trade, visas and the detainment of fishermen, amongst others.

Aziz went on to say the Indian Army had rejected an earlier agreement regarding Siachen between the two governments, as they had “stakes” in the glacier.

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Naxalite

Jun 30, 2016 10:47pm

One day Modi lands in lahore to wish PM his birthday, another day he makes sweeping statements regarding attack on Pakistan. Is this serious Foreign Policy or just Theatre-ics?

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Harmony-1©

Jun 30, 2016 11:01pm

There is always "however" or a condition when they talk about 'bilateral dialogue'. It just defeats mutuality of purpose before anything begins!

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Justwasif

Jun 30, 2016 11:10pm

And that "pleasant" will never be available.

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Houlbelat

Jun 30, 2016 11:15pm

Start CBM process once again, this time by introducing Qawali Diplomacy, to start with !

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Ahmed USA

Jun 30, 2016 11:41pm

Well to be able to start "meaningful" talks... India being a large country must first take some confidence building measures of its won as a goodwill gesture such as...; Support Pakistan's peace initiative in Afghanistan... Discontinue efforts to lobby against Pakistan... Restrain use of inflammatory rhetoric against Pakistan and its institutions... Ensure by words and deeds that India does not destabilise Pakistan in any shape or form... Peaceful and prosperous existence and respect of neighbors’ sovereign integrity is the only way forward... India is a big country in size with lots of resources but the drag is its hegemonic designs and aggressive posture which has pushed its peace doves against the wall… Sent its poverty stricken population numbers sky high... Total foreign and local debt spiralling out of control… Hopefully peace prevails in South Asia and both countries are able to behave maturely, support and compliment each in all spheres of life…

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Bolo ya Na Bolo

Jun 30, 2016 11:49pm

These dialogues s are just talks to fool the Public. It is for the participants to visit each other in fine hotels and wine and dine at public expenses.Each party is aware that the other has no authority to make any serious commitments therefore they talk and talk. When the talks breakdown they miss these visits and hotels so they make noise. Talks without serious followup serious action is utterly useless. Just move on and think about other issues confronting the two nations. Forget each other for ten years and then if you miss each other come and hug otherwise ... Inshaallah

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N_Saq

Jun 30, 2016 11:52pm

Pleasant environment can not be a pre-requisite for dialogue. It is through dialogue a pleasant environment is created, so in my opinion India is looking for a reason not to enter into a dialogue with Pak. As it is obvious from the fact that right now India is enjoying all the attention from US and the West to prop her up against China, therefore, India see no reason to act at this time and the talks with Pak remain not a priority. One can only lower tension by talking to the other party. The reason for the tension is because there are no direct talks between the two countries and all the decisions are being made through media talk. Thus if for some reason Pak gains the upper hand then India will be more than willing to talk, sadly that is how the story goes in the SE Asia. The two countries have so much to offer and the benefits are unlimited if they work together but unfortunately they can't get over their myopic views.

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Denali

Jun 30, 2016 11:56pm

We are ready to talk to Pakistan - but...........

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Alla Bux

Jun 30, 2016 11:57pm

India always sends a Muslim ambassador to Saudi Arabia so that they can have better relations with that country. We too, being front line Islamic State and undisputed leader of the Ummah, should insist on India sending a Muslim ambassador to our country. He will better understand our culture and establish rapport with our leaders. This might improve relations between our two countries.

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Mohammad Akhtar

Jul 01, 2016 12:06am

There is going to be no outcome, I am pretty sure on it.

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JMasood

Jul 01, 2016 12:08am

No talks till Modi government !!!

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Waseem Sarwar

Jul 01, 2016 12:12am

So then talk in Murree. That has pleasant atmosphere. :)

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flying star

Jul 01, 2016 12:13am

is not first time,talk...talk... Kashmir issue is very important (referandum)

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Javed

Jul 01, 2016 12:21am

'Dialogue in a Pleasant Environment' is Code for ignoring the 800 lbs. gorilla of Kashmir. Whereas Kashmir should be the First Item of Agenda in any meaningful talks.

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Syed Zafar Kazmi U.S.A

Jul 01, 2016 12:31am

The resolve for dialogue should be unconditioned and determined to happen no matter what heaven or earth may fall down because there are non state actors on both sides who want to derail dialogue. If both nations are only interested in the true development of their people, resolution of grave issues is the only course.

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aditi sharma

Jul 01, 2016 12:33am

Monsoon may b a good time then or may b in early winters

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bluster

Jul 01, 2016 12:35am

Very smart/tactful. Rather than recite the same old anti terrorism rhetoric change the tune a bit - you get kudos from International Community while Pakistan still gets the real message.

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Khurram Jadoon

Jul 01, 2016 12:40am

Is it possible to hold talks in hostile environment? Talks always start in pleasant and friendly environment with full trust. If India is really ready to talk lets start from Kashmir, once Kashmir issue is resolved other issues will be resolved on their own. There won't be any friendly environment or trust unless both parties are really willing to resolve Kashmir.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jul 01, 2016 12:43am

What a serious joke?

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raj

Jul 01, 2016 12:45am

Turn on the ac and make it pleasant! Now get real and get on with the talks already!!! The sooner these issues are resolved, the sooner we as a region can take on the rest of the world's economic giants!

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Arif

Jul 01, 2016 12:58am

India is so clever. They are now giving these statement to convince China in regards to NSG. India act cleverly but always self evident to what she does.

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Azi

Jul 01, 2016 01:03am

Just ignore them, when ever they want to talk an incident happens, they blame Pakistan without any proof and the talk game is reset.

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Lahori Kid

Jul 01, 2016 01:05am

Pleasant and better environment is needed? And what environment is he talking about, oh the one where India lays down the law on what they want to talk about, preconditions set by India on what will be discussed, Pakistan just has to show up? The environment needs to be desperate, for both sides, time is slipping away, we need to bring peace to the region yesterday

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Ahmed capetown

Jul 01, 2016 01:06am

@Ahmed USA totally agree with you very well said.

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Nasir

Jul 01, 2016 01:06am

Hmmm. Here we go again!

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Jul 01, 2016 01:12am

It is indeed true that there are a several authorities in Pakistan, other than the civilian government, who are also the real power brokers - notably the military. The sad part is that PM Modi can only talk to the civilian government, as officially only the civilian government is supposed to be totally 'in charge' of everything. This makes things very difficult for PM Modi,

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Tamil Guru

Jul 01, 2016 01:21am

India scoring brownie points..

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Rehman

Jul 01, 2016 01:43am

I think we should forget about India for some time. Instead, we should just focus on our own development, and focus on fostering strong ties with the Middle East and other Islamic countries. We should aim to be like Malaysia or Dubai. India can do whatever it wants (as long as it is not threatening to us), and we should get them out of our minds. This will give us a better chance to succeed and realize our full potential.

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S Canada

Jul 01, 2016 01:47am

India's is not serious about holding unconditonal dialogue, they always beat around the bush.

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Neal Kluge

Jul 01, 2016 01:56am

@Naxalite this is serious Foreign Policy

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Alam

Jul 01, 2016 02:28am

Tashkent Agreement and Simla Agreement were signed in result of negotiations after both wars. Is Pathankot incident more bigger than two wars?

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Koresh

Jul 01, 2016 02:46am

@N_Saq :: Could you please look up the definition of SE Asia. Thank you. Southeast Asia generally refers to: Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia;

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Kamran

Jul 01, 2016 02:50am

Unfortunately the track record of current indian government tells me that Pakistan should not waste time with them anymore and focus on bringing its own house in order. That includes primarily continuing with the border management and eliminating all the raw agents that are operating and creating problems - and finally bringing accountability to big political fishes.

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KRashid

Jul 01, 2016 03:01am

Let's stop the eyewash. you fool nobody except yourself. future generations of both countries will sadly comment on the foolishness of it all. That seems to be our destiny.

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rashid

Jul 01, 2016 03:10am

After the NSG failure, all of the sudden India wants to talk.. This sounds exactly like the situation where they needed our vote for ICC's President election and Big three in cricket..And it didn't take them too long to be their usual selves after that was over... The question is, have we learnt our lesson?

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Khan , USA

Jul 01, 2016 03:14am

There is not going to be any pleasant enviroment so please if you want to talk , negotiate and keep engagement , do whatever you want to do in this current unpleasant enviroment . The enviroment will change once you start negotiating and resolving issues. First of all settle the Kashmir problem by holding plebiscite and letting Kashmiris choose which country they want to join !

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Khan , USA

Jul 01, 2016 03:15am

Dont give silly excuses of enviroment . If enviroment is not pleasant then how come Modi came to attend Shareef's grand daughter wedding ?

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Khan , USA

Jul 01, 2016 03:17am

Indians like him are waiting for a pleasant enviroment since last 69 years . Are you kidding ?

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Muhammad

Jul 01, 2016 03:48am

Just wondering, why can they publish the details of the talks which take place to the media and the people. Two nations have been talking for the past 70 years and no one knows what exactly are they talking about

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Gul Hasan

Jul 01, 2016 03:51am

@Naxalite The present BJP/RSS party is dominated by extremists Hindu elements, this is drama played out by Modi, he is not serious for talks this is just to portray a nice guy image for domestic and more for international consumption. The present goals of Indian government suggests that if they go for talks it will be stalled soon.

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Ady

Jul 01, 2016 04:09am

Currently India has very successful foreign policy with a lot of countries but it's shame that it can't establish good policy with nearest and dearest country Pakistan.

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flipflop

Jul 01, 2016 04:23am

If Pakistan and India can not find a common ground then there will never be peace. If we can not even continue to work peacefully with our neighbouring countries then we cant even extend our friendship to other countries. Both countries must start with clean slates and begin the era of long lasting friendship that is not just based on strategic alliance but based on brotherhood. India and Pakistan must do this maturely without aggression. If India is bitter regarding the independence of Pakistan then they should first accept the fact that Pakistan is an independent country. We should not being past events and fight over it but rather create a better future for our people together. I hope this dialogue helps both countries and help each other develop with no strings attached.

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Marcus_715129

Jul 01, 2016 04:28am

Hey guys at least India is prepared to talk.....the process has to start from soemwhere....the world will look in envy if these two brothers can put there differences aside...a clench fist has a bigger impact then one that isnt. Both countries need each other period.....i vote for peace.

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shehzad

Jul 01, 2016 04:42am

Its better if India and Pakistan maintain minimal contacts but at the same time avoid any mishaps. The present atmosphere is not very conducive to peacemaking. Some of Modi's coalition partners are anti Pakistan to the core, and on the Pakistani side, Nawaz Sharif is outright incompetent both in terms of governance and foreign relations.

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aslam shaikh1

Jul 01, 2016 04:54am

Panjkot was done by Indian separatists, Indian investigation has shown it.

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Desi Dimag

Jul 01, 2016 05:23am

And when this pleasant environment will come?

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Sage

Jul 01, 2016 05:36am

@JMasood ok. No problem. Let's talk in 2050

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Kris

Jul 01, 2016 05:52am

If you folks can't get to talk at least whatsapp each other!

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Robert

Jul 01, 2016 06:00am

@Ahmed USA All of your suggestions are good. You will agree that in order to accomplish any or all of those, Pakistan must do at least one thing: do not let Pathankot happen. Pakistan can and must demonstrate its ability to create peaceful surroundings for things to happen.

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T.M.Wazir

Jul 01, 2016 05:59am

India will never ever be ready for talks we all know that. There will be always an excuse not to conduct the dialogs and if there is no excuse existed then India will create one.

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think

Jul 01, 2016 06:08am

@Alla Bux are you suggesting, we should send a hindu Ambasador to India and a Shia to Iran, a Pakhtoon to Afghanistan a Christian to the countries with Christian majority?

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badshah

Jul 01, 2016 06:16am

This is never going to happen. Pakistan has its security problems, so does India, but conveniently blames it on Pakistan. Both need to sit down and sort it out without any pre-conditions.

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Jul 01, 2016 06:44am

We just need peace and no more killing and education for all citizens and health care. Don't care for anything else. Don't care for Kashmir or anything else.

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AXH

Jul 01, 2016 06:49am

Same old rhetoric without any substance. There will be some some date set for talks, a lot of hype will be created by India about the talks and then something will happen on the Indian side just before the talks and India will back out of the talks. It is all too predictable.

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Khwarezmi

Jul 01, 2016 07:12am

First of all: Indian Army derailing a possible agreement between two governments? What happened to the democratic credencials? Second: every time there is a change for dialogue a terror attack like Pathankot happens in India which is first blamed on Pakistan by Indian media without proofs while the attack is ongoing...but later Indian investigation reveals an internal hand.

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Raj

Jul 01, 2016 07:13am

again started,

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QAISAR

Jul 01, 2016 07:18am

Well it is strange logic posted by the Indian Official now. Specially when their Govt has already given clean chit to Pakistan about Zero involvement in Pathankot incident. It is just a lousy excuse to not join on the negotiation table.

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Catalyst

Jul 01, 2016 07:16am

It is abundantly clear that India is looking for petty excuses to run away from dialogue. Pathankot incident investigation clearly shows no foul play from Pakistan side yet several Indian actors were involved. Pathankot had all the footprints of an inside job on it.

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Faisal

Jul 01, 2016 07:26am

Environment has to be right. Weather has to be right, the stars should align, and birds should fly in perfect formation etc etc. You haven't been able to find the right environment in last 60 years. Whatever, don't bother with these nonsense statements and you do you and we do we.

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MFJ

Jul 01, 2016 09:29am

Pleasant Environment? You want to dialogue in Switzerland?

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Iftikhar

Jul 01, 2016 09:32am

India need “pleasant environment” before talks but ready to trade without “pleasant environment & resolving issues” Pak Government needs to stand on “resolve critical issues before trade”

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Jul 01, 2016 12:11pm

@JMasood only BJP government can take any decision as Indian public will never support congress govt. decision when it comes to kashmir, Your military and our BJP led govt. can have a fruit full talk.

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arif

Jul 02, 2016 06:44pm

When has it ever happened that India is with out reservations/conditions ?

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