India wants to have good relations with Pakistan, free of terror: Jaishankar in Lok Sabha

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Friday that India seeks amicable relations with Pakistan, similar to its other nighbour, but emphasised that such ties must be free from terrorism. Speaking in Lok Sabha, he highlighted that it is up to Pakistan to demonstrate a change in its past behaviour, warning that failure to do so will have implications on bilateral ties.

Reacting to MP Naveen Jindal's question, Jaishankar answered, "In terms of improving ties with Pakistan, like any other neighbour, we would like to have good ties. But like with any other neighbour, we would also like to have ties free of terrorism. So, this has been the position of the government. We have made it very clear that it is for the Pakistani side to show that they are changing their behaviour of the past and that if they don't, of course, there are implications for the relationship and for them. So, I think the ball is very much in Pakistan's court in this regard."

Lashing out over the disruption in trade with India, he highlighted that the result is the outcome of the decision taken by the Pakistani government in 2019. This is a matter which they initiated and India has an agnostic position on it. He also added India's repeated role in raising concerns over Pakistan's support of cross-border terrorism, asserting that terror and talks cannot go simultaneously.