Compulsive hostility will not help, Pakistan told

External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna during an interview in New Delhi. File Photo

In a forthright message to Pakistan, India, on Sunday, said its posture of “compulsive hostility” will not help a “serious and sustained” dialogue between the two countries.

Noting that the country “walked the extra mile in reaching out” to its neighbours, External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna said, “We earnestly hope that our neighbour would see the merit in constructive engagement and discard the posture of compulsive hostility.”

During an interview with

PTI , the minister said, “Our only expectation from Pakistan is to dismantle the terror infrastructure that operates from the territories under its control. A serious and sustained dialogue can thrive only in a peaceful and terror-free climate.”

He also said that terrorism, whether state—sponsored or not, has no place in today’s world and needs to be rooted out through concerted efforts of each and everyone.

In a year—end review of the foreign policy and challenges before India in 2011, he touched upon India’s relations with immediate neighbours, country’s growing economic ties with ASEAN and Korea, and the support India has received for its bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

“Our candidature for permanent membership of UNSC also received greater traction and support of the international community this year,” Mr. Krishna said.

Despite differences on a host of issues with China, including Beijing issuing staple visas to residents of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Krishna said the two countries have a “better understanding of each other’s positions and concerns.” “We also have the confidence, resolve and mechanisms to address our differences peacefully and in a mature manner,” he said.

“We are committed to cordial and cooperative ties with our neighbours based on the principles of equality, non-interference and mutual respect,” Mr. Krishna said.

On the visit of his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi to India, Mr. Krishna said, “I look forward to his visit”, but refused to comment whether it will be this month as indicated earlier.

He also noted that India was willing to discuss all issues with Pakistan through a bilateral dialogue.

However, terming 2010 as “noteworthy” for Indian diplomacy, the minister said the year witnessed visits of a large number of Heads of State and Government to India, including all the five permanent members of the UNSC.

The big breakthrough came when U.S. President Barack Obama announced in his address to Indian Parliament on November 8 that he looked forward to welcoming India “as it prepares to take a seat at the UN Security Council”.