Terror infrastructure in Pak stumbling block in ties: Krishna

Krishna, who was named as External Affairs Minister earlier in the day, made it clear that he would work for pushing ties with neighbours and consolidate relations with rest of the world, including the US, Russia, China, Japan and European Union.

In his first interaction with media after his appointment, he said India wanted to have friendly and peaceful relations with its neighbours as it was essential for its main goal of achieving the economic growth rate of 9 to 10 per cent.

To a question on Pakistan, Krishna, who will take over on Monday, said "we stand ready to extend our hand of friendship and partnership with Pakistan. It may take determined and credible action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism that is operating there.

"That has been a stumbling block (in improvement of relations). It is for Pakistan to take these necessary steps (to dismantle terror infrastructure) so that all of us can live in peace." Dealing with Pakistan and cross-border terror will be one of the immediate challenges for Krishna.

After the Mumbai terror attacks in November last year, India has been maintaining immense pressure on Pakistan to take credible action against those behind the carnage and dismantle the terror infrastructure.

"We cannot change our neighbours, we have to live with it... Generally, we would like to live in peace with neighbours. That has been our desire and we are pursuing that," the new External Affairs Minister said.

To a question on Sri Lanka, he made it clear that the Mahinda Rajapaksa government should look into the root causes of the 26-year-old conventional war which has just got over and address the aspirations of the Tamil population.

"It is our view that as the conventional conflict in Sri Lanka comes to an end, this is a moment when the root causes of that conflict will have to be addressed.

"This would include political steps towards effective devolution of power within the Sri Lankan constitution so that Sri Lankans of all communities, including Tamils, can feel at home and lead lives of dignity at their own free will," he said.

"India will work with the people and government of Sri Lanka to provide relief to those affected by the tragic conflict and to rapidly rehabilitate those who have been displaced, bringing normalcy to their lives as soon as possible," he said.

Reading out from a statement, Krishna said he was conscious of the opportunites and challenges being pursued in the country's independent policy of peace and development and strengthening of strategic autonomy.

"We are at a moment in history when the world situation is rapidly changing and India, as a responsible power, must engage actively with the world," the External Affairs Minister said.

"I accord highest priority to strengthen our political, economic and cultural relations with our neighbours and look forward to visiting them soon," he said.

He said that in the coming years, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, it would be his endeavour to further advance the country's interest in the international arena.

The aim of sustaining high rates of economic growth in the range of 9-10 per cent would require peace and tranquilty and in this regard government's high priority would be to strengthen the political and economic relations in its extended neighbourhood, Krishna said.

He said it would also be his priority to strengthen the strategic partnership with major powers like the US, Russia, Japan, China and the EU.

"Our warm and traditional ties with Africa, West Asia and Latin America will be strenghtened," he said adding he was looking forward to the challenging task of pursuing non-aligned policies.