New Delhi: Noting that relationship with
Pakistan is ridden with complexities, India on Friday favoured a
step-by-step approach to improve bilateral ties but made it
clear that effective action by Pakistan in the 26/11 case
would be the "most important confidence building measure".
Addressing Indian Envoys here, Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh said India seeks better ties with countries in the
region and was engaging its neighbours without looking for
reciprocal actions.
"India, by and large, has good relations with her
neighbours. We were engaging them without looking at
reciprocity, in our own enlightened interest," he said the
Conference of Heads of Missions.
Earlier inaugurating the meet, External Affairs Minister
S M Krishna said security represents a "vital cluster of our
priority".
He said India believes dialogue can address all
outstanding issues and has seen from 2004-07 the potential of
such a process with Pakistan.
"Given the complexities of our relationship with
Pakistan, we have advocated a step-by-step, graduated
approach," Krishna said.
With regard to the problem of cross-border terrorism
that is hampering improvement of ties, he said "we have
conveyed to Pakistan that credible and effective action by
Pakistan on our terrorism-related concerns, including the
investigations and trial in Mumbai terror attack, would be the
most important confidence building measure."
PTI
