Pakistan must come out of dark shadow of terrorism: India

Asking Islamabad to fulfill in "letter and spirit" its commitment of not allowing its territory to be used for fomenting terrorism against it in any manner, India has made it clear that Pakistan must come out of the "dark shadow of terrorism".

Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai asserted that India was committed to resolving all outstanding issues through dialogue in an "atmosphere free from terror and violence".

"However, Pakistan must fulfill, in letter and spirit, its stated commitment of not allowing territory under its control to be used for fomenting terrorism against India in any manner," he said addressing the National Defence College.

Noting the development in Pakistan's nuclear and missile programme, he also pointed out that the close military and strategic ties between Beijing and Islamabad impacts on India's security environment. "India's external environment remains complex and challenging," Mathai said.

Observing that the first round of the resumed dialogue has been completed in July 2011, he said, "We are committed to carrying forward our discussions with an open mind and a forward-looking approach.

India's vision of a peaceful, cooperative and progressive South Asia cannot be realised unless the dark shadow of terrorism emanating from Pakistan is eliminated". He also talked of reports about the developments in Pakistan's nuclear and missile programmes. "The close military and strategic ties between China and Pakistan impacts on our security environment.

"Our policies and engagements need to factor in this strategic reality and provide us options and additionalities to safeguard our national interest beyond our own efforts," Mathai said.