The trajectory of Indo-Pak relationship over the last few decades has been distorted and adversely impacted by the factor of cross-border terrorism, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said on Tuesday.
Speaking on India’s foreign policy at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London, she said India had consistently tried to promote better relationship with Pakistan, but cross-border terrorism had prevented these endeavours from fructifying. Rao said good relations could only grow in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.
“A stable Pakistan, which acts as a bulwark against terrorism and extremism, is in its own interest and also in the interest of our region,” she said. She described her recent talks with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Bashir in Islamabad as “productive” and “positive.” On relations with China, she said India had consciously practised a policy of engagement that had yielded positive dividends.
“Although there is an unresolved boundary question between our two countries which should be settled on mutually acceptable terms, we have not held the rest of the relationship hostage to this complex issue,” she said. “We have also collaborated usefully on a variety of multilateral issues,” she added. Nirupama also pointed out that India’s relations with Bangladesh, with which it shares the longest border among any of its neighbours, had improved significantly over the last two years.
“Our dialogue has yielded benefits for both the countries, in a people-centred manner that stresses trade, connectivity, easier transit, development, and the enhancement of mutual security cooperation against insurgency and terrorism. There is enhanced trust and mutual confidence that oxygenates our relationship,” she said.
