India likely to talk to Pakistan regarding cross-border terrorism, says External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup

August 13, 2016: India on Friday, August 12, said it was ready for talks with Pakistan but only on "relevant issues" that include cross-border terrorism and follow up on terror attacks in Mumbai and Pathankot.

"India would welcome a dialogue on contemporary and relevant issues in India-Pakistan relations. At this time, they include a stoppage of Pakistani support for cross-border terrorism (and) infiltration of terrorists," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Swarup's remarks came a day after Pakistan said it wanted to have an exclusive dialogue with India on Kashmir.

India suspended bilateral dialogue with Pakistan after gunmen attacked an Indian air base at Pathankot in January. The attack has been blamed on the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad militant group.

Swarup didn't mention the Kashmir issue in his response. He said Pakistan needed to stop sending terrorists like Bahadur Ali to India.

Ali, captured in Kashmir's Kupwara district during a shootout with security forces, has alleged thatPakistan was sponsoring anti-India terror activities.

The spokesperson said Pakistan should also stop "parading terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin".

He said talks could also be held with Pakistan on "sincere follow up on the Mumbai attack trial and the Pathankot attack investigation". New Delhi blames Pakistani terrorists for both attacks. (IANS)

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