Modi says engaging Pakistan to turn course of history

In his strongest commitment yet on engaging with Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is trying to `turn the course of history’ by bringing an end to terrorism and promoting peace and stability in the region.

Speaking to top military commanders on board the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier, Modi has said that India is living in a difficult neighbourhood but is engaging Pakistan as part of a series of measure in the region with neighbours.

“We are engaging Pakistan to try and turn the course of history, bring an end to terrorism, build peaceful relations, advance cooperation and promote stability and prosperity in our region,” the PM said.

While he cautioned that there are many challenges on the path, the peace effort is worth it as the future of `our children is at stake’. “So, we will test their intentions to define the path ahead. For this, we have started a new NSA-level dialogue to bring security experts face to face with each other,” the PM said.

In his address at the combined commanders conference, Modi however asserted that India will never drop its guard on security and will “judge progress on their commitments on terrorism”. The PM also spelled out several Pak centric security concerns for India.

“We see terrorism and ceasefire violations; reckless nuclear build up and threats; border transgressions and continuing military modernization and expansion. The shadow of West Asian instability is becoming longer,” he said.

Defence minister Manohar Parrikar, national security advisor Ajit Doval, all three services chiefs and other senior officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force were present.

The prime minister was briefed about military issues during the conference. This is the first time the annual tri-services event was held outside the national capital, following Modi’s suggestion last year that they should meet on board ships, or air bases or in forward area cantonments.

Also known as the Unified Commanders’ Conference, the meet is crucial as it discusses in detail national defence policy and operational challenges.