All issues with Pak will be addressed bilaterally: Govt

New Delhi: While stating that India wants normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan, the government has reiterated that the onus is on Pakistan to create a terror-free environment for meaningful dialogue between the two neighbours. Replying to a question in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, minister of state for external affairs, V. Muraleedharan said that India is committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally but any meaningful dialogue can only be held in an atmosphere free from terror, hostility and violence.

“The government desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally and peacefully... However, any meaningful dialogue can only be held in an atmosphere free from terror, hostility and violence. The onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere. India has asked Pakistan to take credible and irreversible steps to end cross-border terror and dismantle terror infrastructure in territory under its control.

Till then, India will continue to take firm and decisive steps to respond to all attempts at cross-border terrorist infiltration and supporting cover fire by Pakistan forces,” Mr Muraleedharan said in a written reply to BJP MP from Karnataka, Shivakumar C. Udasi.

The MP had sought to know if the government is ready for bilateral talks with Pakistan and the action sought from Pakistan to show that it has addressed New Delhi’s concerns about terrorism.