India is ready to take the first steps to initiate the peace process with Pakistan, but the problem of terrorist activity becomes an obstacle to boost ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in remarks published.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, ahead of his meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House in early June, Modi was asked what led to the thaw with Pakistan, particularly his decision to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore.
The Indian premier is of the view that cross-border relations between India and Pakistan have enormous room for improvement. He said he sees the possibility of “truly cordial and meaningful” relations to develop between the two “historic rivals” provided Pakistan takes effective measures against terrorist activities on its soil.
“I have said that the future that I wish for India is the future that I dream for my neighbours. My visit to Lahore was a clear projection of this belief.”
Modi leaned on familiar diplomatese both sides use when they have nothing specific to offer. “I have always maintained that instead of fighting with each other, [India and Pakistan] should together fight against poverty. Naturally we expect Pakistan to play its part.”
He stressed, however, that there could not be any compromise on terrorism. “It can only be stopped if all support to terrorism, whether state or non-state is completely stopped. Pakistan’s failure to take effective action in punishing the perpetrators of terror attacks limits the forward progress in our ties.”
Modi added, “We are ready to take the first step, but the path to peace is a two-way street.”