Manmohan Singh says dialogue with Pak only after ‘terror machine’ is under control

NEW DELHI - The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday that India has been making efforts to normalise relations with Pakistan but dialogue cannot take place until the “terror machine” there is brought under control.

Interacting with the mediapersons at the HT Leadership Summit here, Dr. Singh said: “We are willing to discuss all outstanding issues (with Pakistan) provided the terror machine (there) is brought under control.”

Dr. Manmohan Singh said South Asia has enormous capacity to grow at a much faster pace but this will depend on peace and tranquility in the region.

“For the last six and a half years that I have been the Prime Minister, my effort has been to give the greatest importance to improving relationship with our neighbours, that includes South Asian countries particularly Pakistan and South East Asia,” said Dr. Manmohan Singh.

He further added India’s ‘Look East’ Policy has been successful and referred to his recent visit to Japan and Malaysia during which they agreed to work together to frame comprehensive economic partnership pacts.

The Prime Minister said India’s relations with ASEAN countries have also improved enormously and New Delhi has become a founding member of the East Asia Summit.

Dr. Singh said India has also improved relations with Middle East countries like kingdoms of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait and countries in Central Asia.

He further said India today enjoyed such goodwill that everywhere he went, there was “great admiration” for India.

“People (around the world) marvel at the fact that here is a country of 1.2 billion people with all religions represented, is committed to rule of law, human freedom and still has managed to produce a growth rate of 9 to 10 percent. The world wants India to succeed,” said Dr. Singh. (ANI)