The comment was interpreted as a clear sign of substantial background outreach by India and Pakistan. In his interview with the Indian TV anchor, Mr. Yusuf had said India expressed a “desire for conversation” but he had placed several conditions for restarting official level talks. However, on February 18, Pakistan supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five proposals for collaboration at the South Asian level on containing COVID-19. Leaders of all the SAARC countries participated in the talks though Pakistan Prime Minister sent his representative without appearing personally. Bilateral ties continued to nosedive because of the Pulwama terror attack of February 14, 2019, and the Balakot operation by India.

Source: The Hindu February 25, 2021 16:40 UTC