NEW DELHI – Declaring that “war is not an option”, India’s Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said the country had decided to hold dialogue with Pakistan as it was the only way to eliminate terrorism.
She was speaking against the backdrop of recent decision to restart the comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan under which various subjects – including terrorism and Jammu Kashmir – would be discussed.
Sushma said following Narendra Modi’s conversation with Nawaz Sharif in Paris on November 30 on the sidelines of the climate change summit and in line with the Ufa understanding between the two leaders, the national security advisers of the two countries met in Bangkok on December 6.
“We said we can talk so that terrorism comes to an end. So talks between NSAs took place in Bangkok where we discussed about terrorism. But one meeting will not bring a solution to all the problems. So we will continue the dialogue,” she told the Lok Sabha.
“They held candid and constructive discussions. During my recent visit to Pakistan on December 8-9, the two sides decided that the NSAs will continue to address all issues connected to terrorism. The Indian side was assured of the steps being taken to expedite the early conclusion of the Mumbai trial,” she said.
