External affairs minister Salman Khurshid on Friday batted with caution on India and Pakistan resuming bilateral cricket ties next month, which were suspended after 2008 Mumbai attacks.
In a bid to play with a straight bat while addressing his first press conference after assuming new office, Khurshid also urged Pakistan to deliver on the "frequently indicated promise" of bringing the Mumbai attackers to justice.
"…A degree of aloofness was called for, and that aloofness was shown by our cricketing bodies. If they, in their assessment, have come to the conclusion that there is now time to open a window, I think we should respect their decision for this," the minister said.
Khurshid stressed that the resumption of bilateral cricketing ties doesn't mean any dilution it India's stand.
Single-city visa for Pak spectators
Union home ministry officials said India will grant around 5,000 single city visas to Pakistani spectators to witness the upcoming limited over Indo-Pak cricket series and requests for permission to enjoy remaining matches of the tournament will be decided on a case-to-case basis.