London, Nov 16 (HS): Foreign Minister S.K. Jaishankar has said that relations with Pakistan remain ‘difficult’ as he openly promotes terrorism against India. He also said that if Islamabad is serious about cooperating with New Delhi, it should hand over the Indians who are living in Pakistan for terrorist activities. He said that Pakistan does not refuse to send terrorists to India.
On the relations between the two countries, he said, “These relations have been difficult for many years because Pakistan has developed an important terrorist industry and sends terrorists to India to carry out attacks.” Pakistan itself does not deny this situation. He was questioned about the Pakistani Foreign Minister’s recent statement in which he said that relations with India were ‘almost non-existent’.
The Foreign Minister said, ‘Now, tell me, which country will be ready to negotiate with a neighbor who openly promotes terrorism against him. We need actions that demonstrate a genuine willingness to cooperate. For example, Indian criminals wanted for terrorist activities are living in Pakistan. We are asking Pakistan to hand them over. He was clearly referring to criminals like Mafia kingpin Dawood Ibrahim who is believed to be hiding in Pakistan.
Speaking about the situation in Kashmir, the foreign minister also said about Kashmir, “Due to reforms in August, some precautionary measures were taken so as to avoid the threat of violent action by radical and separatist elements. The situation is becoming normal now. Jaishankar said that these restrictions have been gradually relaxed and telephone and mobile lines have been restored as the situation returns to normal. Shops are open and apple is being cultivated. The situation has become normal again. He said that foreign journalists would be welcomed as soon as things were secured in the area.
