India Desires Peace with Pakistan, but Insists on End to Terrorism: S Jaishankar in Lok Sabha

India Desires Peace with Pakistan, but Insists on End to Terrorism: S Jaishankar in Lok Sabha

India wants to have excellent ties with Pakistan, just like it does with any neighbor, but those relations must be free of terrorism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Jaishankar stressed that it is on to Pakistan to demonstrate a change in its previous conduct in response to questions during the Question Hour. The onus is on Pakistan to demonstrate that it is altering its methods to strengthen bilateral ties with India, he said, emphasizing that “the ball is very much in Pakistan’s court.”

Steps to Improve Trade and Commerce

Jaishankar also discussed the difficulties in commerce with Pakistan, blaming the 2019 Pakistani government’s choices for some of the obstacles. While taking an agnostic stance on the matter, he pointed out that India has taken the initiative to engage in trade and commerce. But in light of the interruptions brought about by Pakistan’s policy changes, Jaishankar said that Pakistan now had a responsibility to show that it was committed to improving commercial relations.

Regarding bettering ties with Nepal, Jaishankar explained that India’s position on border matters has not changed. “If any of our neighbors have any expectation that by taking action, India will change its stance, they should be very clear that this is not the case,” he stated. Despite regional expectations, this declaration emphasized India’s steadfast position on territorial integrity.

About drug trafficking from Myanmar, Jaishankar stated that India has to reevaluate its open border policy because of the unrest in Myanmar. Despite the inconveniences, he underlined that India is still cognizant of the issues facing border communities and is making efforts to resolve them.

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Development Projects and Regional Relations

Speaking about India’s “neighborhood first policy,” Jaishankar emphasized the prosperous development initiatives with all of the country’s neighbors, excluding China and Pakistan. Except these two, he said, practically all of India’s neighbors have profited from its developmental projects. Jaishankar expressed confidence about future cooperation with Bangladesh for development projects and economic stability, saying, “We hope that with the new dispensation in Bangladesh, we will settle down to a mutually beneficial and stable relationship.”