Fri Jan 03 16:22:00 UTC 2025: ## India Rejects Pakistan’s Overture for Improved Ties, Citing Terrorism

**Islamabad, January 3, 2025** – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed his country’s willingness to improve relations with India, stating that it “takes two to tango.” However, this overture has been swiftly rejected by India, which insists that addressing cross-border terrorism must precede any dialogue.

Dar, speaking on the state of Pakistan’s foreign relations, emphasized the PML-N government’s efforts to improve ties with its neighbours, including India. He stressed the need for mutual goodwill and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to enhance trade cooperation.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded sharply, stating that the relevant “T-word” is “terrorism,” not “tango.” India reiterated its long-standing position that talks cannot proceed while terrorism continues. Relations between the two countries have been severely strained since the 2019 Pulwama attack and the subsequent abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dar also announced plans for a visit to Bangladesh next month to bolster economic and trade ties, describing the country as “a lost brother.” He claimed that Pakistan has overcome a perception of diplomatic isolation by actively engaging with regional neighbours.

However, Dar acknowledged challenges in Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan, citing the ongoing issue of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. He criticized former intelligence chief Gen Faiz Hameed’s engagement with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and revealed that planned visits to Kabul were postponed due to terrorist attacks. Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorism since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

On a separate note, Dar announced the launch of the Chashma 5 nuclear power project and confirmed the appointment of former Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood as Secretary General of the D-8 Developing Eight Forum.

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