Melbourne, Aug 29: Observing that India's efforts to promote friendly relations with Pakistan has met with "rebuff", External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha has said progress on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should not hold up movement in other areas between the two countries. "We are continuing to promote friendly relations with Pakistan, but our friendship has been met with rebuff," Sinha said while speaking to the Indian community here last night.

"The progress of normalization will be a step by step process. We are ready to discuss Jammu and Kashmir and we are on a strong wicket, but progress on the issue of J&K shouldn't hold up progress in other areas between the two countries. We are hoping that the people's will in Pakistan will assert itself and prevail as common people still have a strong bond," the minister said.

Bureau Report