Source: ZeeBusiness
The central government reiterated its stand on Thursday that any talks with Pakistan will have to be bilateral, also clarifying once again that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will continue to be suspended until India’s neighbouring country abjures its support for cross-border terrorism “credibly and irrevocably”. The development comes in the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan this month at Pakistan's request. “I would like to remind you that talks and terror don't go together,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm tone in his May 12 address to the nation.
"If another terrorist attack against India is carried out, a strong response will be given," PM Modi had said in his first address to the nation after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to Pakistan’s attempts to target Indian military and civil locations on Indian soil. "Water and blood cannot flow together," PM Modi had added, referring to the suspension of a crucial water treaty between India and Pakistan.
“On terrorism itself, as I had said earlier, we are open to discussing the handing over to India of noted terrorists whose list was given to Pakistan some years ago," said Jaiswal in the national capital on Thursday.
The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson also reiterated India’s firm stand that any talks between both countries will be about when Pakistan will vacate its illegally occupied regions of Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). "I would also like to underline that any bilateral discussion on Jammu and Kashmir will only be on the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan,” he said.
The spokesperson also said that India’s delegations will be visiting 33 countries that India shares warm relationships with and are either members or are going to be temporary members of the UNSC. It is important for these nations to know the truth about Pakistan and its stance on cross-border terrorism.
The spokesperson said that the National Security Advisor spoke with China’s foreign minister on May 10.
On Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed Saudi Arabia as a neutral venue for talks with India, stating that the US could take lead as a mediator between both sides.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi reiterated India's strong stance against terrorism, stating that India will not engage in talks or in trade with Islamabad unless it relinquishes its illegal occupation of Kashmir. "If there is to be any talk, it will be on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). If Pakistan continues to export terrorists, it will be left begging for every penny. It will not get a single drop of Indian water," PM Modi said at a rally in Rajasthan's Bikaner.
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