While the Narendra Modi-led government, if it assumes power as indicated by exit polls, will ensure some amount of continuity in India’s foreign relations, it will have no constructive engagement with Islamabad if the neighbouring country doesn’t address India’s concerns over terrorism.
Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, who has helped formulate the party’s policies on crucial foreign policy issues, told Times of India that India could look forward to a more robust foreign policy under Modi with its “core as promotion of national interest”.
“We want healthier relations with Pakistan but any constructive engagement may be difficult if India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism are not addressed,” Prasad said, adding that the January 2004 agreement between the two countries would be the essence of India’s relations with Pakistan under Modi.
The January 2004 agreement had underlined a public commitment by Islamabad that any territory under its control would not be allowed to be used for committing “terrorism against India”.
Prasad said final nuances of India’s foreign policy would be determined by Modi himself after he assumes power. He said the party was confident that NDA was going to win over 300 seats.