CPEC: ‘Want normal relations with Pakistan but…’: MEA on Pakistan PM’s call for talks with India | India News

NEW DELHI: India wants normal ties with Pakistan but that can only happen in an environment free of terror, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday.

The comment comes days after Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif showed his willingness to talk to India on all outstanding issues.
“We have seen reports regarding the comments by the Pakistan PM on this issue. India’s clear and consistent position is well known that we desire normal relations with all our neighbouring countries including Pakistan. For this environment free of terror and hostility is imperative,” Bagchi told reporters.

During an event in Islamabad on August 1, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif showed his willingness to talk with India and stressed that there is “nothing against anyone”.
“With our neighbours, we are prepared to talk to them, provided that the neighbour is serious to talk about serious matters on the table because war is no more an option. Pakistan is a nuclear power, not as an aggressor but for our defence purposes. We had three wars fought in the last 75 years. And what happened is it generates more poverty, unemployment and lack of resources to finance, education, health and well-being of the people,” PM Sharif said.
“Because if there is any nuclear flashpoint, who will live to tell what happened? So (war) is not an option,” PM Sharif said and added that he knows that both countries cannot become normal neighbours unless “abnormalities are removed” and unless the serious issues are understood and addressed through peaceful and meaningful discussions.
India has repeatedly raised its concern over Pakistan’s support of cross-border terrorism and has asserted that terror and talks cannot go together.