Terror core issue with Pak: Krishna

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday termed terrorism as the core issue vis-à-vis Pakistan and said Islamabad needed do much more to address it before the two countries could pursue other matters concerning relations between them. He was responding to a discussion preceding the passage of demands for grants to his ministry by the Lok Sabha with a voice vote.

With the opposition planning cut motions,the ruling UPA had mobilised the bulk of its members,though several seats on the treasury benches were still vacant. On the other hand,the entire BJP bloc was missing with the exception of a dozen members.

His tone sober,Krishna said,measuring his words very carefully,that India was keen on having good relations with our neighbours, including Pakistan. That was why the composite dialogue with Pakistan was continuing. However,in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack,India could not have continued the talks.

Referring to the February 25 meeting between the foreign secretaries of the two countries,he said India took the initiative for it without prodding from anyone. The dialogue was resumed to convey our serious concern about terror they unleash from across the border… We conveyed what needed to be conveyed.