Ball is in Pak's court over talks with India, says BJP foreign affairs chief

A dialogue between India and Pakistan is unlikely in the near future until there is "tangible action" against terrorist groups emanating from the neighbouring country, a senior BJP leader said here Friday.

Vijay Chauthaiwale, Head of the BJP's Foreign Affairs Department and a member of the ruling party's National Executive, reiterated comments made by external affairs minister S Jaishankar recently that the scope for talks remains bleak until Pakistan gave up its "industry of terrorism".

"The ball is in Pakistan's court. They have to decide what kind of a relationship they want (with India)," said Chauthaiwale, addressing an event "India's Election Results and the Way Forward" at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London on Friday.

He added: "We are looking for friendly relations with all our neighbours, including Pakistan, there is no question about it. But unless there is tangible action against the terrorist outfits in Pakistan, I don't see things going forward.

"BJP as a political party does not have any ideological compulsions to talk to Pakistan. We will do it purely on the national interest."