ISLAMABAD: The Indian Government’s re­­c­e­­nt emphasis on inclusion of Bangladesh in any talk on repatriation of prisoners of war is seen here as a hardening of the Indian attitude. There has been no response from the In­­dian Government to the Pakistan Gov­ern­m­ent’s indications of its willingness to negotiate a package deal, which could include the question of Bangladesh recognition along with que­stions relating to prisoners of war, withdrawal of threats of so-called ‘war cri­m­­es’ trials and some arrangement to resolve eco­­­nomic and financial issues between Dacca and Islamabad.

On the other hand, the Indian leaders in their recent statements on prisoners of war have made out a case for inclusion of Bang­la­desh in a trilateral meeting on the issue. … The Simla Accord had envisaged only bilateral talks.

In official talks with Pakistan they had ne­­ver made recognition of Bangladesh a precondition for repatriation of POWs. In fact they had only talked of the desirability of associating Bangladesh with talks on the issue. Pakis­tan was not opposed to this position, but Bang­ladesh authorities have repeatedly voiced their refusal to be associated with any such talk unless Bangladesh was recognised by Pakistan formally.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2023