Favouring talks with the Taliban as India has interests in Afghanistan, the Army Chief, however, ruled out applying the same strategy in Jammu & Kashmir.

Several political parties had said if the Indian Government was willing to engage the Taliban then they should do so with separatists and other organisations in Jammu & Kashmir to bring peace after the Army chief in a conclave on Wednesday said India should talk with the Taliban as many other countries were also doing so.

Reiterating his opinion on Thursday, Rawat said the Indian Government was willing to talk every section in Kashmir after they shun violence.

However, it was not happening, he said. Similarly, Kashmir is a issue between India and Pakistan and New Delhi is willing to come to the negotiation table but talks and terror cannot go together, the Army Chief said.

On Afghanistan, Rawat said since India has interests there and since many countries are already talking to the Taliban, “We cannot out of the bandwagon.”

He also said India has to be involved directly or indirectly in talks though it should not take the lead adding “we should not be left out.”

“Unless you are not sitting on that table you will not know what is discussed. Because a lot of this is discussed in closed doors. That’s why we are saying sit on the high table, and see how it suits you. We have our issues. I think we need to take our call on our own terms but unless you are sitting on the high table how do you know what is happening,’” he said.