India's stand on terror vis-a-vis Pakistan is firm: Krishna
Ahead of its talks with Pakistan at the foreign secretary level, India today reiterated that terror cannot be brushed aside and it was necessary for both the countries to find a "common wavelength" in terms of fighting terrorism.
Ahead of its talks with Pakistan at the foreign secretary level, India on Monday reiterated that terror cannot be brushed aside and it was necessary for both the countries to find a "common wavelength" in terms of fighting terrorism.
".....Terror is something that cannot be brushed aside because terror is a matter of fact. And I think all of us, including Pakistan, live under the fear of terror," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said.
He was asked if India would look beyond terror during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart, Salman Bashir, on the margins of the SAARC Committee meeting in Thimphu on February 6-7.
He said "it is necessary that we should find a common wavelength in terms of fighting terror."
Asked if recent reports on the Samjhuta Express blast probe indicating the involvement of right wing extremist groups would cast a shadow over the talks between the Foreign Secretaries, he said the outcome should not be prejudged. "Let them meet and perhaps they may continue from where they had left", he said adding India was ready to discuss all bilateral issues with Pakistan.
"I think all issues concerning bilateral relations between the two countries will be discussed by them," he said. India has always maintained that there was no other option but to engage its western neighbour to resolve all outstanding issues, he said.