Pakistan’s tour of India: India not diluting its stance, says Khurshid

New external affairs minister says New Delhi has not withdrawn demands for action against Mumbai attack perpetrators.

The Indian government has said its decision to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan is not a ‘dilution’ of its demand for action against those responsible for the Mumbai attack, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported on Friday.

“We are certainly concerned about issues that relate to accountability for the unforeseen attack on our citizens and we expect all countries, including Pakistan to deliver on their frequently indicated promise that they will make these people accountable.

There is no question of dilution of our demand and expectation,” said Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid at his first official press conference since taking up the post on Sunday.

“We hope this will be seen more as an attempt to persuade them that this is a collaborative effort and what was a conflict must be put to an end,” he added.

The minister maintained that according to his understanding, matters which cannot be resolved immediately should be put aside in favour of those on which consensus can be reached for improving relations.

“I don’t think isolation or cutting off any contact or communication has ever helped,” Khurshid said at the press conference in Gurgaon. He added, however, no decision was ‘irreversible’ and it would be reviewed if and when required, PTI reported.

The minister asserted that while India was cautious about matters pertaining to national security, the country should look towards a “possible future not held hostage by the past”.

He added that the decision to resume sporting ties had been “decided by people who have the authority [to decide] how far we should go.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2012.