The tension between Pakistan and India appears to be easing with the two nations gradually realising the need to discuss issues following the beheading of an Indian soldier at the Line of Control. India is willing to give an “appropriate” response if Islamabad makes a formal proposal for talks between the foreign ministers.
“These are positive indications, good indications. Let us wait for a formal proposal, then we can respond formally,” external affairs minister Salman Khurshid told reporters here.
The PM signalled to Islamabad that it should mend its ways if it wanted friendship with India, agencies reported. Agencies reported that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was quoted by party leaders as saying, “We want friendship and good relationship with all, including Pakistan, but how is it possible if it resorts to such actions?” Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, who said she wanted “better and closer relations with our immediate neighbours”, added this would not only make for “regional peace” but “will also have a positive impact on some of our border states”.
Responding to questions about Pakistani foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar’s offer for discussions on “all” concerns related to the LoC, Mr Khurshid said, “Don’t use words like softening and hardening. There is a positive content in some of the statements that have come... The positive content in it is welcome and it should be getting an appropriate response...”