Hoping for better ties with Pakistan, terrorism issue is crucial: Krishna

Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna said that India is hoping for better ties with Pakistan; however the issue of terrorism is vital.During the 40-minute meeting between Iranian Parliament's speaker Ali Larijani and SM Krishna, they discussed regional issues of common concern including the current situation in Afghanistan. Krishna informed Larijani about the two attacks on the Indian embassy in Kabul. Krishna also apprised Larijani of the recent meeting of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani in Thimphu, Bhutan. He said that India wants cordial relations with Pakistan; however, the issue of terrorism remains New Delhi's core concern. Larijani noted that terrorism is the common challenge for Iran and India. Krishna arrived in Iran for a four-day visit on Saturday during which he is also expected to discuss the $7 billion Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project. India walked out of the 2,775 kilometres long gas pipeline project in 2008 mainly due to the huge transit fee demanded by Pakistan.