NEW DELHI: External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday said India’s relationship with Pakistan hinges on three principles, “The first is that we are ready to solve all issues in a peaceful manner, the second is that the dialogue will be solely between India and Pakistan with no third party involved and the third is that the talks will take place in a non-violent zone.” She said that no final decisions have been taken on India-Pakistan cricket series. The minister’s remarks came in the backdrop of IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla’s statement saying certain issues needed to be resolved.
“Where has this information come that this (Indo-Pak cricket series) has been decided. No decision has been taken,” Swaraj said while replying to a question at a press conference in Delhi. Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shahryar Khan had recently met BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and also held meetings with other BCCI functionaries. He had proposed a series comprising three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s in UAE in December this year.
Swaraj while responding to another question maintained that dialogue with Pakistan can only materialise in a peaceful environment. “This can only be possible when Pakistan takes action against Lakhvi and others,” she added.
Swaraj also said that India had lodged strong protest with China on their assistance for an economic corridor through Pakistan occupied Kashmir. “We lodged protest calling the Chinese ambassador. When the PM had gone there, he raised it strongly that it is not acceptable to India that you are talking about China-Pakistan economic corridor going through PoK.”
Meanwhile, despite claims made by Harjeet Masih, who escaped from ISIS captivity in Iraq, that terror outfit executed 39 Indians in Mosul, Sushma said eight sources have confirmed that the 39 Indians stranded in Iraq are still alive.