Pak must come out of terror shadow

Alluding to Chinas objections to Indias exploration bids in South China Sea,Mathai said,The entire Indian Ocean region stretching from East African coast to the South China Sea remains crucial to our foreign trade,energy and national security interests.

He also talked of reports about the developments in Pakistans nuclear and missile programmes. The close military and strategic ties between China and Pakistan impacts on our security environment, he said.

Observing that the first round of the resumed dialogue was completed in July 2011,he said,We are committed to carrying forward our discussions with an open mind and a forward-looking approach8230;. Indias vision of a peaceful,cooperative and progressive South Asia cannot be realised unless the dark shadow of terrorism emanating from Pakistan is eliminated.

Noting that India and China with overlapping areas of interests are bound to cooperate and compete simultaneously,Mathai said the rapid strides in economic and military capabilities of China and the manner in which China exercises its power is being followed carefully.

He said managing Indias relations with China will be probably the most critical element among the security dimensions of New Delhis foreign policy.