India wants stable Pakistan, terror-free South Asia: Krishna

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Suggesting that counter-terrorism could dominate his bilateral talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Wednesday said that India visualised a resurgent and terror-free South Asia proudly marching on a path of development in a harmonious atmosphere.

Delivering an opening statement ahead of his meeting with Khar and the accompanying Indian and Pakistani delegations, Krishna said India would like to see a stable, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.

''Excellency, let me categorically state that we would like to see a stable, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan and wish the people of Pakistan well. The challenges and aspirations of all us South Asians are similar. I visualise a resurgent South Asia, proudly marching forth on a path of development, in a terror free and harmonious atmosphere,'' Krishna said.

He said that he was delighted to welcome Khar and members of her delegation to India, for the bilateral talks.

Congratulating Khar on her appointment as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Krishna said: ''I look forward to working closely with her (Khar), in forging a peaceful and cooperative relationship between India and Pakistan, which is in the interest of peace and development of both our countries, the region and beyond. We owe this to ourselves and to the generations to follow.''

He hoped that she would have a wonderful visit to India.

Khar in her opening statement said: "Pakistan sees good friendly and cooperative relations with India as an important neighbour. We feel the relationship between the two countries should not be held hostage by the past."

She also stressed that officials on both sides must be "respectful of the reality of the two countries."