Kochi: In a strong commitment to the resumption of peace process with Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the resumption of talks with Pakistan was to "try and turn the course of history" and to bring an end to terrorism.
Modi, however, clarified that Pakistan would be judged solely by its commitment on terrorism.
Amid concerns of India going soft on Pakistan by re-engaging with the turbulent neighbour, Modi asserted that India will never drop its guard on security, admitting that there are many challenges and barriers on the path. He was speaking to India's top military commanders on board the country's largest aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
“..the effort is worth it because the peace dividends are huge and the future of our children is at stake. So, we will test their intentions to define the path ahead. For this, we have started a new NSA-level dialogue to bring security experts face to face with each other.
"But we will never drop our guard on security and we will continue to judge progress on their commitments on terrorism," he said.
This is Modi's first and arguably his strongest pitch for India's commitment to improve ties with Pakistan after the two countries announced the re-engagement under the new ‘bilateral comprehensive dialogue' last week. The announcement came after Modi had met his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the climate change summit in Paris on November 30 where the two also agreed to hold NSA-level talks.
Addressing the first ever Combined Commanders Conference to be held outside the national capital, the Prime Minister further warned against "reckless" nuclear build up and continuing military modernisation and expansion. "Our neighbourhood is most critical for our future and for our place in the world.
"But ours is a difficult neighbourhood with the full spectrum of security challenges. We see terrorism and ceasefire violations, reckless nuclear build-up and threats, border transgressions and continuing military modernisation and expansion. The shadow of West Asian instability is becoming longer," he said.
Modi said beyond that, "our region is marked by uncertain political transitions, weak institutions and internal conflicts.
"And, major powers have also increased their engagement in our land and maritime neighbourhood," he said.
Modi said that India is also pursuing closer relations with China to harness the full potential of the country's economic partnership. "We will aim to address outstanding issues, maintain stability on the border and develop greater mutual understanding and trust in our overlapping neighbourhood," he said.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the relations with China and said he believes that India and China can engage constructively across the complexity of their relationship as two self-assured and confident nations, aware of their interests and responsibilities.
"We will continue to strengthen our defence capabilities and infrastructure, engage our neighbours more closely and strengthen our regional and global partnerships, including in maritime security," he said.
(With PTI inputs)
