Union Home minister Rajnath Singh's Pakistan visit has been scaled down by the government. Bilateral dialogue with Pakistan Interior minister has been ruled out and the delegation members have also been cut back.
After initially saying that Pakistan will be reminded of the reciprocity agreement on Pathankot, government sources now say that it will be left to the diplomatic back channels.
Even the dossier prepared on recent terror attacks in Kashmir, where the Pakistan link was established, may not be handed over.
However, India will use the forum to reiterate Pakistan's complicity in fomenting terrorism in the region.
Home ministry official in the know said, "We will stick to the SAARC agenda. Terrorism is a global phenomenon. We will say what we have to in the meeting."
On the agenda of SAARC Interior minister's conference this year is terrorism, liberalization of visa, narcotics and immigration issues.
Home ministry till last week was preparing dossiers to hand over to Pakistan.
But sources now say, "One on one meeting between Rajnath Singh and Chaudhary Nisar will be a chanced one if at all. The current schedule leaves no time for a structured bilateral dialogue."
Home minister Rajnath Singh will leave for Islamabad on the afternoon of 3rd august and return the next day. The interior ministers SAARC's conference begins on the morning of 3rd august.
The delegation size will also be very small this time. Director, Intelligence Bureau, the NSA and Joint secretary, Internal Security will also not be part of the delegation.
Home secretary, Joint Director Immigration, Director SAARC and Director, Pakistan will accompany Home minister to Islamabad.
After Hizbul militant Burhan Wani's death and subsequent slanging match between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue, Home minister Rajnath Singh's visit is being watched closely by both the sides.
Jama'at-ud-Da'wah chief Hafiz Saeed has threatened protest all over Pakistan if Rajnath Singh lands in Islamabad.
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