India on Thursday extended an olive branch to Pakistan, saying it wanted to develop “peaceful and cooperative relations” with the neighbouring country, but in a “terror-free environment”.
“It has always been India’s policy to develop peaceful and cooperative relations with Pakistan. Naturally, this presupposes an environment free of violence and of terror,” newly-appointed Indian External Affairs Ministry Secretary Sujatha Singh told reporters.
India had suspended bilateral dialogue with Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which over 170 people were killed by 10 Pakistani militants. However, the two countries resumed composite dialogue in 2011.
“Dialogue with Pakistan was resumed in 2011. Two rounds have been held since then and we will be picking up the threads. There is a new government in Pakistan now. We will be picking up the threads from where we left off with the old government,” said the 59-year-old top diplomat, who took office for a fixed tenure of two years.
Sujatha, who was earlier Indian ambassador to Germany and succeeded Ranjan Mathai, also spoke of her immediate priorities.
“My immediate priorities would be in our immediate neighbourhood. That is where our immediate interest lies and that is where our most intent interactions are. Beyond that, it is important to strengthen relations with our strategic partners all over the world,” she added.
