Sushma sends strong message to Pakistan, says 'talks and terror cannot go together'

In a strong message for Pakistan over its policies of harbouring militants on its soil, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said here cannot be any comprehensive dialogue with the neighbour country till it shuns terrorism.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with Minister of State V K Singh, during the ministrys Annual Press Conference on completion of 4 years of the NDA government, in New Delhi on Monday, May 28, 2018. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: In a strong message for Pakistan over its policies of harbouring militants on its soil, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said there cannot be any comprehensive dialogue with the neighbour country till it shuns terrorism. "We are always ready for talks with Pakistan but with a caveat that terror and talks cannot go together... There cannot be A comprehensive dialogue till Pakistan shuns terror," she told the media at a press meet. "Jab seema par janaze uth rahe hon, to baatcheet ki awaaz acchi nahi lagti (when people are dying on the border, talk of dialogue is not appropriate)," she added. While replying to a question on whether India-Pakistan talks can take place after the general elections, Sushma said: "We never said we are not ready for talks, but there is a caveat. Terror and talks cannot go together, be it post elections or even before." Highlighting the achievements made by the Modi government over the past 4 years she said about 90,000 people from distressed Indian have been rescued from various places across the world. "About 90,000 people from Indian community have been rescued from various places. In his visits to many countries, PM has saved many people from severe punishments. Today, Indians living overseas are living peacefully," she added. The senior BJP leader also hit out at Pakistan over its "Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018" relating to administrative control over Gilgit-Baltistan, saying Pakistan always "distorts history". "The answer we got in the response to what happened with Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 was laughable. They tried to teach us history. Pakistan always distorts history and doesn't believe in rule of law. The only thing I felt while reading their answer was 'look who's talking'," she said. Pakistan's Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly of the region. The order is being seen as Islamabad's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province.