India not against talks, says Vikas Swarup

New Delhi: Reiterating its opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on the grounds that it passes through “sovereign Indian territory” (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), India on Friday said it was ready for talks with Pakistan on any issue provided that country creates an atmosphere for fruitful dialogue and stops taking recourse to violence and terrorism. Amid stiff Chinese opposition to banning of Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM chief Masood Azhar by the UN, India also said it does not want to “prejudge” the outcome at the expiry of the current “hold” by Beijing next weekend.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup also reiterated that India’s case against Azhar was very strong and there was no logic in not designating him a terrorist while his outfit — JeM — is proscribed by the United Nations since 2001. Asked what India will do if China sticks to its position and continue with its “hold” beyond the expiry of current extension, he said, “Let’s not prejudge the outcome of what happens…We will of course plan our strategy based on the outcome on that particular day.”

Last week, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang in Beijing had said, “As for India’s application for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and listing issue pursuant to resolution of 1267 (to list Masood as terrorist), China’s position remains unchanged.”

China had in October extended its “technical hold” on India’s move to get Azhar banned by the UN. The current extension will expire this month-end and if China does not raise further objection, the resolution designating Azhar a terrorist could stand passed automatically. On the other hand, if China puts a permanent “hold” on the Indian move by January 31, it will almost certainly mean curtains for the Indian move.

Meanwhile, reacting to recent comments by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that Islamabad wants peaceful settlement of matters with India, Mr Swarup said, “We have never refused talks, but Pakistan has to ensure a peaceful atmosphere. Pakistan needs to stop supporting terrorism. Pakistan should create a healthy atmosphere for talks.”

Insisting that it was Pakistan which has to ensure that there are suitable conditions for bilateral talks, he said, “What we see is repeated incidents of cross-border firing at the LoC and terror attacks. Every other day, there are instances of infiltration. They are attacking our soldiers.”

“It should create an atmosphere where they don’t take the help of violence and terrorism. And then we are ready for talks with Pakistan on any issue,” he added.

On the Pakistan Foreign Ministry alleging that India was trying to change the demographic composition of Jammu and Kashmir, Swarup said that country has no locus standi to make such comments.

Asked about the comments by a senior Pakistani General that New Delhi should “shun enmity” with Islamabad and jointly reap the benefit of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, he said it was a Chinese initiative which goes through sovereign Indian territory (PoK)  and Indian concerns over the issue have already been conveyed to parties concerned.

The USD 46 billion CPEC aims to connect China’s western parts with the Arabian sea through Balochistan’s strategic Gwadar port. India has already expressed concern over the project that also passes through PoK.