For peace’s sake: India takes Nawaz at his word, says Khurshid

Indian foreign minister says Pakistan has a lot of very, very difficult issues to deal with at home.

SYDNEY:

India is prepared to give Pakistan “the benefit of the doubt” as the two countries strive for peace, according to Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid.

“We talk to Pakistan periodically and in terms of personal gestures we receive great warmth,” he said.“But the on-the-ground reality and the results of our meetings are very disappointing.”

However, with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last month vowing to go the “extra mile” to make peace with India, Khurshid said Delhi would take him at his word. “Pakistan has a lot of very, very difficult issues to deal with at home,” he was quoted as saying.

“Our view is that we should give them time, not at our cost, of course, but that we should give them the benefit of the doubt.

“When Nawaz Sharif says he wants peace and good relations with India, we take him at his word.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2013.