PM rules out, rules in talks with Pak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s very comprehensive speech at the annual ‘Raisina Dialogue’ has touched upon India’s diplomatic relationships with almost significant world powers and immediate neighbours. In the newly emerging world order following post Crimea retake hostilities, the world has been keenly watching the friends United States and Russia garner. At the time of Crimea retake the West was fully united under America’s leadership while the Middle East and the East reacted on the lines of –more or less –their relationships with the West. India not only maintained a distance from the West but also emerged as lone major supporter of the Russia. Even though Russia’s action didn’t stand good on the international moral standards but New Delhi’s tacit approval of it showed that India is now willing to take its own stands rather than going with the world powers. Making the stand a little further firm, the Prime Minister on Wednesday underlined the importance and reliability of India-Russia relations. On China, the Prime Minister didn’t mince words in expressing dismay mainly on two issues –blocking UN sanctions against Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar and partnering with Pakistan in the now famed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Now comes the turn of Pakistan –the country in the neighbourhood which shapes up India’s most of international relations. Referring to India's ties with China, PM Modi said it was not "unnatural" for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences but both sides should show sensitivity and respect for each other's core concerns and interests. As the Prime Minister spoke and talked about country after country, political analysts keenly awaited whether he would touch Pakistan at all. Then Modi got into it saying, “My vision for our neighbourhood puts a premium on peaceful and harmonious ties with entire South Asia. That vision had led me to invite leaders of all Saarc nations, including Pakistan, for my swearing-in. For this vision, I had also travelled to Lahore”. In a clear message amidst the chill in bilateral ties, PM asked Pakistan to walk away from terror if it wants to have dialogue with India. Outlining his approach for an integrated neighbourhood, Modi said his vision for country's neighbourhood puts premium on peaceful and harmonious ties with entire South Asia. Some analysts have inferred that Modi has ruled out dialogue with Pakistan. If seen in entirety, he has basically expressed desire for better relationships with Islamabad but subject to the condition that Pakistan must abjure support to physical and human infrastructures of terrorism.