“With Pakistan, we have consistently made efforts to go back to the negotiating table to solve difficult issues. We have striven to promote better relations with Pakistan. Naturally, such relations can only grow in an atmosphere free of terror and violence” Rao said while speaking at seminar ‘Key Priorities for India’s Foreign Policy’ at the International Institute for Strategic Studies here.
She said, a stable Pakistan which acts as a bulwark against terrorism and extremism is in its own interest and also in the interest of the region.
She called upon the international community to ensure complete commitment to eliminating the scourge of terrorism, and to resist the dilution of such efforts for reasons that may seem compelling today but may not withstand the test of ground realities.
On Afghanistan she said that India help its reconstruction efforts with the aim of bringing peace and stability in that country.
“India’s assistance programme is spread across Afghanistan and spans almost the entire gamut of economic and social developmental activities. It places particular emphasis on capacity building and human resource development”, she said.
She said that with relations with Bangladesh have improved significantly over the last two years. “Our dialogue has yielded benefits for both countries, in a people-centred manner that stresses trade, connectivity, easier transit, development, and the enhancement of mutual security cooperation against insurgency and terrorism. There is enhanced trust and mutual confidence that oxygenates our relationship” FS said.
She said that the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka has brought historic new opportunities for reconciliation between the Tamil and Sinhalese people and for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Dwelling on the piracy issues, Mrs Rao said, India has committed its full support to international anti-piracy efforts. An Indian naval ship deployed in the Gulf of Aden has successfully thwarted several piracy attempts and provided security escort to several merchant ships in these waters. She said, India also supports determined action against the kingpins, financiers and facilitators of piracy through tracking of financial flows. The Foreign Secretary asserted that a key issue for India is the welfare of hostages in the custody of pirates.