New Delhi says, relations with Pakistan can only grow in an atmosphere free of terror and violence. Speaking at a conference in London, the Foreign Secretary Nirumpma Rao said, the trajectory of bilateral relationship over the last few decades has been distorted and adversely impacted by the factor of cross-border terrorism. She said, a stable Pakistan which acts as a bulwark against terrorism and extremism is in its own interest and also in the interest of the region. She called upon the international community to ensure complete commitment to eliminating the scourge of terrorism, and to resist the dilution of such efforts for reasons that may seem compelling today but may not withstand the test of ground realities. She added that India is placed in an extremely complex neighbourhood which has seen rapid and often, turbulent, change in the last thirty years. Mrs Rao said, New Delhi has articulated a policy in its neighbourhood that emphasises the advantages of building networks of inter-connectivity, trade, and investment so that prosperity can be shared and so that the region can benefit from India’s rapid economic growth and rising prosperity.

Dwelling on the piracy issues, Mrs Rao said, India has committed its full support to international anti-piracy efforts. An Indian naval ship deployed in the Gulf of Aden has successfully thwarted several piracy attempts and provided security escort to several merchant ships in these waters. She said, India also supports determined action against the kingpins, financiers and facilitators of piracy through tracking of financial flows. The Foreign Secretary asserted that a key issue for India is the welfare of hostages in the custody of pirates.