The Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj earlier today took to the floor of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of parliament, to apprise the parliamentarians of her visit to Pakistan.
Television footage showed the foreign minister (FM) briefing MPs amidst an uproar in the upper house.
“We raised the issue of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks probe and asked Pakistan to expedite the trial process,” Swaraj told the house, reported Times of India.
India and Pakistan are to engage in “comprehensive” dialogue on all issues including peace, security and Kashmir, Swaraj said.
Kashmir is most affected by terrorism she said, adding that the country’s security is a priority for the government.
During her visit to Islamabad last week for the ‘Heart of Asia ─ Istanbul process’ ministerial conference, the Indian FM announced the resumption of “Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue” following a meeting with Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif and Adviser to the PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
Speaking at the conference, Swaraj stressed the need for “maturity” in Indo-Pak relations in order for both countries “to do business with each other”.
“India will extend its cooperation at a pace Pakistan is comfortable with,” she had said, adding “The heart of Asia cannot function if arteries are clogged.”
The session was adjourned until later today as members of the Congress party loudly expressed their displeasure over inaction against three Bharatiya Jannata Party chief ministers facing corruption allegations.
