Ahead of the Foreign Secretary- level talks, India on Monday said it is ready to explore a "meaningful" relationship with Pakistan if it seriously addresses the threat of terrorism and stops terror acts against this country.
Government's approach in the run up to the talks between Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir on February 25 was outlined by President Pratibha Patil in her address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
"India is ready to explore a meaningful relationship with Pakistan if Pakistan seriously addresses the threat of terrorism and takes effective steps to prevent terrorist activities against India," she said.
India is expected to focus on terrorism during the parleys. The composite dialogue between the two countries was stalled in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The President said infiltration of terrorists from across the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up.
"Government remains vigilant against all forms of challenges posed by terrorism. Zero tolerance of terrorist activities is our principal policy. We have to keep constant watch and innovate against global terrorist groups," she said.
India, she said, has played its role in global affairs with responsibility and in the pursuit of peace, stability and progress in its region and beyond.
Noting that India's relations with the major powers have been further consolidated, she said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the United States in November last had laid the framework for the further expansion of Indo-US partnership at the bilateral, regional and global level. PTI
