Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Destroying the goodwill” (August 22). With senior diplomats like Pakistan’s High Commissioner Abdul Basit being insensitive, arrogant and sanctimonious, Pakistan does not need more enemies.
Such envoys destroy the remaining goodwill between the two neighbours. The High Commissioner deliberately ignored the changed ground reality in New Delhi with the advent of Mr Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. Despite his keenness to forge warm, close relations with his counterpart from day one of his swearing-in, Mr Modi had given enough indications that he had a no-nonsense diplomatic approach. The Pakistani envoy was told that talks can be held between the two Governments and none else. What had happened in the years gone by has no relevance today.
Mr Basit refused to listen. The fall-out has been the cancellation of the Foreign Secretary-level talks. If Pakistan is willing to re-think and re-adjust its position, talks can resume sooner than later, between the two stakeholders. Kashmiri separatists have no role to play as they represent no one but themselves.