New political window has opened in Pak: Indian High Commissioner Bisaria

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria speaking at a function in Kolkata said the Imran Khan's government has opened "a new political window" after bilateral relations received a setback due to terrorist strikes in Pathankot and Uri.

Also Read:India and Pakistan must talk, resolve conflicts, says Imran Khan

"Both the prime ministers (Narendra Modi and Imran Khan) had conversations over phone which had been very positive," Bisaria said, adding,"bilateral relations received a setback after the (terrorist) attacks on Pathankot and Uri. But after the new government came in Pakistan, a new political window opened up and we are filled with cautious hope."

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Bisaria said terrorism was a "deal-breaker" while emphasizing that bilateral conversation was important which will end terrorism.

"Increased bilateral trade will create more stakeholders and may lead to absence of conflict", he added. Bisaria said Indian government hopes that ceasefire would prevail at the international border, which is necessary for bilateral conversation to begin.

The Indian ambassador added that"booming bilateral trade" was an important stakeholder which could play a key role in India-Pak relations. "Increased bilateral trade will create more stakeholders and may lead to the absence of conflict," Bisaria noted.

Bisaria's view reflects PM Imran Khan's July statement when the Pakistan prime minister said trade could play a key role in fixing ties between the two countries.

In his inaugural address to the nation just after winning the July 25th elections, the Pakistan prime minister had said that if India took one step to improve ties, Pakistan would take two. During his address, Imran brought up the Kashmir issue, declaring that it was the biggest dispute between the two countries.

We need to talk about Kashmir... We're still on Square 1. India sees Baluchistan, we see Kashmir... this blame game has to stop. We are ready to take two steps forward if you take one," Imran said. "The situation in Kashmir, the human rights violations, deploying army there... Kashmiris have suffered. The leadership has to find a way out," he added.