The annual maritime dialogue between India and Pakistan has become the latest casualty to the tension between the two neighbours after the February 14 Pulwama attack.
Two days before the deadly attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama (February 12), office of the Director General of Indian Coast Guard in New Delhi received a call from his Pakistan counterpart, confirming the dates of maritime dialogue, which handles a wide range of issues related to maritime domain including illegal trafficking and fishermen. Last year, head of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman had came to New Delhi to take part in the dialogue.
Even the last year's meet between two coastal security agencies happened after the gap of an year, as India, in 2017, decided to put on hold the talks due to the diplomatic unease caused by death sentence awarded to former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav by Pakistani military court. However, in 2018, India had sent an invitation to Pakistan to attend the annual maritime dialogue.
"Everything was lined up for this year, as this time was our (India) turn to visit to Pakistan. The dialogue was scheduled for March 6 to 9 in Pakistan. Indian side was also informed about the dates on 12 February. But, since then, there is no communication from the Pakistan side," said a senior official in the ministry of defence.
Moreover, since then there is no weekly hotline communication between the heads of coastal agencies of India and Pakistan. Heads of Indian Coast Guard used to speak to his Pakistan counterpart on every Wednesday.
At least 483 Indian fishermen are in Pakistani custody according to the list exchanged between India and Pakistan on January 1, as part of a 2008 agreement.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and PMSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 3, 2005, that came into effect on March 16, 2006, envisaging cooperation between ICG and PMSA through exchange of information on Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) violations, apprehended vessels, marine pollution, natural disasters/calamities, combating smuggling, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and piracy, and coordination in search and rescue and return sea passage.
It also established a communication link which is operational. Under the provisions of the MoU, directors general of ICG and PMSA meet periodically. The MoU was extended for five years in 2016, seeking to combat illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and piracy, smuggling and coordination in search and rescue, and return sea passage.
Meanwhile, New Delhi has decided to boycott the Pakistan National Day event to be held at its high commission in New Delhi on Friday evening as Kashmiri separatist leaders have also been invited for the event.