Krishna said India’s approach would be to remain patient, realistic and positive
NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna was disappointed over the slow pace of the Mumbai attacks trial in Pakistan. “I think it is a sad commentary of what is happening there. Whatever occasion we get to interact with the leadership of Pakistan, we always convey that it is necessary that trial should be hastened.”
Krishna indicated that terror would remain firmly on India’s agenda despite voices to the contrary from across the border.
As the current dialogue process is called the Thimphu spirit, Mr. Krishna said both sides should “keep cool” like the weather at the venue of the ice-breaking talks between Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in April last year.
Krishna said India’s approach would be to remain patient, realistic and positive as the whole exercise is aimed at reducing the trust deficit. The “central point” would be asking Pakistan to deal firmly with the menace of terrorism and eliminate all sanctuaries for terrorists on its soil.
Asked whether India would take up the extradition of fugitive Dawood Ibrahim, Mr. Krishna said since he was one of the persons wanted by the Government for having masterminded heinous crimes, “we will keep pursuing that”.
The Minister termed the aggressive behaviour by Indian and Pakistani warships on the high seas as an “isolated” incident which “doesn’t help”. India had conveyed its unhappiness over such an incident taking place close to the talks and the Minister was optimistic of both sides clearing any “misunderstanding” that led to the two warships coming dangerously close to each other.
The several rounds of talks at various levels over the past two years had led to a better understanding of each other’s positions. “We have always approached our discussions in an open and constructive spirit,” said the Minister.
“I hope Pakistan realises how serious is the Indian view on this particular question. Our trial has concluded and the appeal is pending with the Supreme Court. Whereas, the trial virtually has not even started in Pakistan, I think even the examination of the witnesses have not begun yet,” said Krishna.
