As it prepares to resume dialogue with Pakistan, India on Wednesday said progress in the process can take place only if Islamabad takes steps to address New Delhi’s concerns on 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.
“Any meaningful progress can be made only when Pakistan takes concrete steps to address India’s concerns on 26/11 terror attacks,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony said at the Asian Security Conference here.
However, the Minister added that the two sides have just concluded the Foreign Secretary-level talks which demonstrated their desire to carry forward the dialogue process.
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After the 26/11 attacks, India had suspended dialogue with Pakistan which was resumed only a week ago in Thimphu where the two Foreign Secretaries met to discuss the issues between the two sides.
India has been demanding that Pakistan should punish the Pak-based terror groups and individuals responsible for carrying out the attacks, in which over 165 people were killed and several others were injured.
Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, Mr. Antony said India has always desired peaceful relations with all its neighbours including Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
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“We know that security of one nation is closely linked and dependent on the security of its neighbouring countries.
In the neighbourhood, we have always been in favour of resolving issues through dialogue and constant engagement,” he added.
Mr. Antony said India’s strategic location on the map of Asia gives it a strategic importance.
“India, China and Japan have historical and cultural linkages. Given such a unique inter-connectivity between these and other Asian nations, security-related challenges and their solutions require a united approach in the entire regions,” the Minister said.
He listed terrorism, nuclear proliferation, piracy and arms smuggling as some of the main challenges faced by the countries of Asia.
The Defence Minister said India didn’t want to further its relationship with one nation at the cost of any other nation.