NEW DELHI: India wants “good” relations with Pakistan but the neighbouring country must stop terror activities directed against it as talks will get subdued under the “din” of bomb blasts, Sushma Swaraj said after taking charge as External Affairs Minister today.
She also said that as External Affairs Minister her priority would be to showcase India’s strengths to the world and improve relations with neighbouring countries, strategic partners, Africa, ASEAN member countries, Europe and others.
On the visit of the Pakistan Prime Minister, she said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed to Nawaz Sharif yesterday that talks between the two countries will not be effective if bomb blasts continue.
“We told Pakistan that we want good relations with it. For but for good relations, the talks can be effective and successful only if terror activities (directed against India) stops.
“The voice of talks gets lost in the sound of bomb blasts. That is why bomb blasts should stop so that we can talk and our voices can be heard. Talks will get subdued under the din of bomb blasts. He (Modi) conveyed it to Sharif in these many words,” 62-year-old Swaraj told reporters after assuming charge as External Affairs Minister.
She said India asked Pakistan to ensure speedy trial in 26/11 terror case being held in Pakistan. The Pakistani side said they were working on it.
She said the talks Modi had yesterday with SAARC leaders, who had come to attend his swearing-in ceremony, were successful.
“He told the leaders that SAARC could not make an identity in the world because of bilateral issues. He said if bilateral contentious issues are left between the respective countries, then SAARC can emerge as a strong power,” Swaraj said.
“I would like to say that for the first time the SAARC leaders felt that a government and a Prime Minister who thinks out of the box has assumed power in India,” she said. (AGENCIES)
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