New Delhi: In response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent indication of willingness to engage in talks with India, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), conveyed on Thursday that India seeks amicable relations with Pakistan, but underscores the importance of an environment devoid of terrorism and violence as a prerequisite for such a rapport.
During a weekly briefing of MEA, Bagchi said, “We have seen reports regarding the comments by the Pakistan PM on this issue. India’s clear and consistent position is well known that we desire normal relations with all our neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. For this environment free of terror and hostility is imperative.”
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, the Pakistan PM expressed a readiness to engage in discussions with India, emphasising a non-hostile stance. Addressing the inaugural session of the Mineral Summit in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif emphasised their willingness to engage in dialogue for the betterment of their nation and its relationships.
Despite a history of strained ties between the two nations, since their independence in 1947, the Pakistan PM seeks to promote valuable engagement as the country is going through some economic issues.
India and Pakistan’s relations were never normal since the formation of the latter country. India has consistently voiced concerns over Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and has asserted that negotiations cannot coexist with acts of terrorism.
Following India’s decision in August 2019 to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh—the Pakistan government, then under the leadership of Imran Khan, expelled India’s ambassador from Islamabad and suspended bilateral trade activities.
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