Take terrorism seriously for meaningful ties: Prez

New Delhi, Feb 22: Putting anti-terrorism measures as a condition for a positive outcome of the upcoming foreign secretary-level talks, President Pratibha Patil said on Monday, Feb 22, that the two countries can move towards a meaningful relationship if Pakistan seriously addresses the issue of terrorism and end terror acts against India.

"India is ready to explore a meaningful relationship with Pakistan if Pakistan seriously addresses the threat of terrorism and takes effective steps to prevent terrorist activities against India," she said.

India is expected to concentrate on terrorism during the talk, scheduled on Feb 25, which will be the first foreign secretary-level talks after the 26/11 terror attacks.

Expressing concern on the upsurge in infiltration bids along the border, President Patil said that infiltration of terrorists has increased along the Line Of Control (LOC) in Jammu Kashmir.

"Government remains vigilant against all forms of challenges posed by terrorism. Zero tolerance of terrorist activities is our principal policy. We have to keep constant watch and innovate against global terrorist groups," she said.

She said that India has played a crucial role in the global scenario in the establishment of peace, stability and progress in its region and beyond.

Speaking of the improving bilateral relationship with the major powers in the world, she said that prime minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the United States in Nov 2009 has laid the foundation for strengthening Indo-US partnership at the bilateral, regional and global level.

She said similar positive outcome can be seen in the India's relationship China which has led to greater regional and global content.

The President said that visits by leaders from the neighbouring countries, like Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives have taken the traditional ties with those countries to a new level.

Concerning its ties with Sri Lanka , she said that India would strive towards enhancing its relationship with Colombo, adding New Delhi would work towards humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts for the Tamil minority and lend its hand in the long term reconstruction in conflict-affected areas.

Patil also commented on India' assistance to Afghanistan, stating that India's reconstruction efforts in that country had seen important milestones.

Referring to the 'Look East' policy, she said that India has its embark on this policy with utmost enthusiasm,adding that India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement along with the launch of several new initiatives with these countries will further integrate India into the Asia-Pacific region.

OneIndia News