INDIA today is scuttling the composite dialogue process with Pakistan. The two countries had taken 50 years to reach an understanding about a structured and comprehensive dialogue process in 1997. It raised hopes, but its performance has been dismal.
The eight issues – the so-called two plus six formula – agreed under the composite dialogue in 1998 were: (1) Peace and Security, including confidence-building measures (CBMs); (2) Jammu and Kashmir; (3) Siachen Glacier; (4) Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation project; (5) Sir Creek; (6) Economic and Commercial Cooperation; (7) Terrorism and Drug trafficking; and, (8) Promotion of friendly exchanges in various fields. If one looks closely, the thread of Kashmir runs through the entire eight-point agenda. On the first seven issues, including the core issues of Jammu and Kashmir and peace and security, there is complete stalemate; on the eighth, there has been modest movement but always prone to collapse.
Strategic Perspectives Through Research and Dialogue
