India to reshape ties with Pak only if...

India on Wednesday said it will seek to 'reshape' ties with Pakistan depending on its sincerity in acting against terror groups operating from its soil.

"My government will seek to reshape our relationship with Pakistan depending on the sincerity of Pakistan's actions to confront groups who launch terrorist attacks against India from its territory," President Pratibha Patil said in her address to the joint sitting of Parliament.

The statement came two days after the release of Lashkar-e-Tayiba founder and Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed, who was detained in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. India has officially conveyed to Islamabad its disappointment over the release of Saeed, saying it is convinced that Pakistan has taken limited or no action to dismantle the terror infrastructure existing on its territory.

Outlining contours of the government's foreign policy, the President said New Delhi will support initiatives in Sri Lanka, which can lead to a permanent political solution of the conflict there and ensure that all Sri Lankan communities, especially the Tamils, feel secure and enjoy equal rights so that they can lead a life of dignity and self-respect.

"India will make appropriate contribution to rehabilitate those affected by the conflict," she said.

On Nepal and Bangladesh, Patil said India will work closely with both countries to continue expanding bilateral ties for mutual benefit.

Noting that the momentum of improvement of relations with major powers will be maintained, she said, "The transformation of our partnership with the United States of America will be taken forward".

The government will also seek to further consolidate the strategic partnership with Russia, which has grown over the years, she said.