Frequent terror attacks from Pakistan has made environment inconducive for bilateral talks: VK Singh

Government on Friday said there have been a series of cross border terror attacks from Pakistan controlled territories across the LoC recently which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue.

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh while replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha also said that Pathankot Air Base terror attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross-border terrorism including Poonch and Uri strikes have “eroded” the necessary environment free from terror and violence.

He was asked whether it is a fact that India’s relationship with its immediate neighbours in the recent past is not so smooth and if so, the reasons thereof and the steps proposed to be taken to improve it?

While he termed the ties with Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka as smooth, in case of Nepal, Singh described the ties as “unique and special”.

He also said India attaches importance to developing good relations with China and both sides, during their meetings in past, have agreed to make efforts for further strengthening of Closer Developmental Partnership on the basis of mutual sensitivity to each other’s concerns, interests and aspirations.

On Pakistan, he said, “Yes. India intends to have normal and peaceful relations with all its neighbouring countries including Pakistan. However, Pakistan has supported armed insurgency and terrorism in the State of J&K. Cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan endangers security and stability not only of India but of the entire region.

“Pakistan covets territory of J&K which is an integral part of India. Recently there have been a series of cross border terrorism attacks from Pakistan controlled territories across the Line of Control which has created an environment not conducive for holding a meaningful dialogue.”

He further added that as a result of Pakistan’s assurances to take steps for expediting Mumbai terrorist attack trial undergoing in Pakistan, the two sides agreed on Composite Bilateral Dialogue (CBD) to resolve all outstanding issues as well as humanitarian issues.

“Pathankot Air Base terrorist attack mounted from Pakistan and the subsequent intensification of anti-India cross border terrorism including Poonch terrorism attack on 11 September 2016 and Uri terrorism attack on 18 September 2016, have eroded the necessary environment free from terror and violence,” Singh asserted.

India is non-committal about holding bilateral talks with Pakistan Prime Minister’s foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz, who will be travelling to Amritsar next week to attend the Heart of Asia Conference.