Talks with Pak to try and turn course of history: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said resumption of talks with Pakistan was to “try and turn the course of history” and to bring an end to terrorism but made it clear that the neighbouring country would be judged by its commitment on terrorism.

Modi also asserted that India will never drop its guard on security. Speaking to India’s top military commanders on board the country’s largest aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, Modi said: “We are engaging Pakistan to try and turn the course of history, bring an end to terrorism, build peaceful relations, advance cooperation and promote stability and prosperity in our region.”

“There are many challenges and barriers on the path. But the effort is worth it because the peace dividends are huge and the future of our children is at stake. So, we will test their intentions to define the path ahead. For this, we have started a new NSA-level dialogue to bring security experts face to face with each other,” he said.

“But we will never drop our guard on security and we will continue to judge progress on their commitments on terrorism,” he added.

This is the first time that Modi has spoken on relations with Pakistan after the two countries announced the re-engagement under bilateral comprehensive dialogue last week.

Addressing the first-ever Combined Commanders’ Conference held outside the national Capital, the PM warned against “reckless” nuclear build-up and continuing military modernisation and expansion. He said: “Our neighbourhood is most critical for our future and for our place in the world. But ours is a difficult neighbourhood with the full spectrum of security challenges.”