No dilution in stand, says PM

Insisting that India had not diluted its stand, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said that any meaningful engagement with Pakistan cannot move forward till Pakistan takes steps to end terrorism emanating from there.     

Clarifying in the Rajya Sabha on his statement on the outcome of his talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, which has been criticised by BJP, he said India's position remains that Pakistan would have to take "sustained, effective and credible action" without waiting for the composite dialogue to resume.     

"It does not mean dilution of our stand, it only strengthens our commitment that meaningful process of engagement cannot move forward unless and until Pakistan takes measures to control terrorism," he said responding to clarification sought by Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley.     

Jaitley said Singh's statement was inconsistent with the Joint Statement issued after talks between the two Prime Ministers in Sharm-el Sheikh yesterday.      

"It does not mean any dilution but strengthening of our commitment," Singh maintained.      

"We would like Pakistan not to wait for resumption of composite dialogue, as and when it takes place, but take action against terrorist elements regardless of process that may lead to resumption of dialogue," the Prime Minister said.