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Rejecting Pakistan's proposal for resumption of dialogue, India on Wednesday asserted that it is still to see a long-term commitment from Pakistan on fighting terrorism and concrete action through 'specific, tangible' steps against terrorist groups operating from that country.
"The question of resumption of dialogue with Pakistan can only arise when Pakistan has created a conducive atmosphere and meaningfully responded to the demands India has made of it," external affairs ministry spokesperson Nirupama Rao said.
The demands included cessation of cross border terrorism, stoppage of infiltration and handing over of criminals and terrorists named in the list of 20 given to Pakistan.
"We have yet to see a long-term commitment by Pakistan on fighting terrorism. We have still to see that as a country, as a victim of cross border terrorism and as a people who experience this scourge from across the borders," she said.
She was responding to questions on the latest proposals announced by Islamabad on Tuesday, which included resumption of the stalled dialogue with India, phased mutual withdrawal of troops from the forward positions and restoration of rail, road and air links, which were snapped in the wake of the December 13 terror attack on Indian Parliament.
Asked about reports of stepped-up infiltration from the Pakistan side, she said, "It vindicates our continuing concerns about the need for concrete action against such infiltration by Pakistan and the need for specific, tangible steps against terrorist groups who have directed violence and terrorism against India."
To a question, Rao said that India has not received a formal proposal from Pakistan.
Asked about the remarks made by United States President George W Bush on Tuesday, she said it was an address that spoke of the unprecedented dangers faced by the world community on account of terrorism and the need for resolute and continued action to end the menace.
"We have heard the speech with interest," she said, observing that India and the US are cooperating together on the issue of countering terrorism.
The two sides were having continuing dialogue and interaction and New Delhi looks forward to further strengthening this in the months ahead.
She also referred to Bush's remark that 'America is working with India, Russia and China in ways we have never before to achieve peace and prosperity', noting 'this is a statement that speaks for itself on the growing cooperation' among these countries on such issues.
About Bush praising Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Rao said the US President had underscored the need to eliminate terrorist groups, which threatened the world.
"There is a serious problem in Pakistan. That problems relates to the activities of terrorist groups and the networks they have created and the kind of roots they have established in that country," she said, adding Bush's statement has to be read in context.
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