Pak instability to affect export from India, says Jairam

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, Dec 31 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh today said present instability in Pakistan was likely to affect trade with India, but trade talks between both countries would be resumed after the general elections there.

A delegation from Pakistan has postponed its scheduled visit to India in view of the elections and the fluid situation there after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, he told newspersons here, adding that the delegation was expected to visit after the polls.

Talks between both countries was going on mainly on three issues, especially tea, which was abundantly produced in India while Pakistan was a major consumer, Mr Ramesh said.

India had forwarded to Pakistan, a list of 14 items to be traded at the line of control, but Pakistan agreed for trade in only nine items, Mr Ramesh added.

India would undertake development of infrastructure at Wagha border post at a cost of Rs 75 crore to facilitate border trade and for the convenience of passengers. Pakistan would also undertake infrastructure development on its soil at the Wagha border, he added.

UNI