India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan: V Muraleedharan

New Delhi: India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan while asserting that the onus is on Islamabad to create a conducive atmosphere. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan said, India's consistent position has been that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence.

He



added that the onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere. The Minister was asked about media reports stating that the Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan backs resumption of trade ties with India. 

In August 2019, Pakistan announced the suspension of bilateral trade with India. Pakistan partially relaxed its ban on trade with India in September 2019 by permitting trade in certain pharmaceutical products.