Hinting clearly that the Indo-Pak composite dialogue process was on indefinite hold, external affairs minister SM Krishna on Monday asserted that ?any meaningful dialogue will only be possible following the fulfillment by Pakistan of its commitment not to allow its territory to be used for terrorist activities against India?.
The external affairs minister was speaking at the inauguration of a three day conclave of Indian envoys here, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday. ?We are still to see Pakistan take effective steps to end infiltration and dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism. We have maintained that a stable Pakistan at peace with itself is a desirable goal and we wish to address our differences with Pakistan through dialogue,? he said, making it clear that the Sharm-el Sheikh line on Indo-Pak relations had been a nonstarter.
Krishna?s contention that Pakistan must honour its pledges first came even as Islamabad sought the resumption of the stalled composite dialogue with India, saying it wanted good relations with its neighbours on the basis of ?equality?. ?Naturally, we will work in the interests of the country. We want good relations with all neighbouring countries on the basis of equality, sovereignty, self-respect, dignity and honour. On these issues, we will not compromise,? Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said in Islamabad.
In the meet being held at the Vigyan Bhawan here, external affairs Krishna also outlined India?s strategy in dealing with key foreign policy challenges, ranging from terrorism and climate change to global meltdown and soft power projection. He spoke about giving a fresh impetus to improving India?s relations with neighbours and sustaining momentum in ties with major powers like the US, Russia and the European Union. He said the main purpose of the foreign policy is to assist in the fulfillment of the ?foremost strategic goals? of development, inclusive economic growth and alleviation of poverty.
These goals would be met by providing an enabling external environment which ?ensures our security, promotes trade, nurtures our key bilateral relationships, safeguards our national interest and enhances our influence in the world,? he told the envoys.
On China, the minister said ?there is space for both of us to grow and meet our aspirations,? adding, ?China is now India?s largest trading partner and there is congruence in our views on many global issues but there are outstanding bilateral issues that should be resolved peacefully through dialogue.?
National security adviser MK Narayanan stressed on India?s security strategy, its nuclear posture and a multi-pronged approach to dealing with global terrorism, including linkages with cross-border terror, a major issue between India and Pakistan.
The conference of the Indian heads of missions abroad is a closed-door meeting, the first such exercise after the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition returned to power in May. Infact, last year, such a conclave took place against the backdrop of India?s diplomatic offensive soon after the 26/11 Mumbai carnage.
This year, the conclave has a wider agenda including special sessions on soft power projection, climate change, economic diplomacy and WTO negotiations.
