Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said that friendly ties with Islamabad will only be possible when it ensures that its territory is not used for terrorist activities against India.
The Prime Minister’s comments came at the Congress plenary session where the party also categorically supported Dr Singh’s stand that Pakistan not allow the use of its territory for attacks against India.
The Prime Minister said that the country had a tense relationship with Pakistan. But acknowledged that India desired good relationship with all its neighbours. “It will be beneficial to all countries of the region,” Dr Singh said. “We want friendly relations with Pakistan. But we know this will be possible only when our neighbour will see to it that its territory is not used for terrorist activities against us,” he said.
Referring to Sino-Indian ties, the Prime Minister said, “We believe that there is a great potential for working together with China, especially in economic matters. We have some outstanding issues with them which we hope to resolve in an atmosphere of friendship.”
A resolution on foreign affairs, adopted unanimously at the Congress plenary, stated that “Pakistan must deliver with sincerity its assurances to dismantle terror outfits, not to allow the use of its territory for attacks in India and bring to justice the perpetrators, masterminds responsible for the Mumbai carnage.”
The Congress also lauded the government’s efforts in exposing before the international community the “syndicate of terror” operating from Pakistani soil.
The 12-page resolution, moved appreciated that India has moved a comprehensive convention in the UN on international terrorism. The resolution also commended the government for mobilising global support for comprehensive reforms in multilateral institutions.