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Summary
Indian External Affairs Minister S.M Krishna termed terrorism as biggest obstacle in normalizing of ties with Pakistani. During a press briefing after returning to Delhi on Friday, Krishna said that he had an extensive and serious discussion with Qureshi in which all issues of mutual interest were taken up, adding that the talks enabled us to understand each others point of view. Replying to a question, Krishna said FM Qureshi assured him of all out measures to take the Mumbai accused to justice and pursue the Headley case. Answering a question regarding ISI involvement in Mumbai attack and Hafiz Saeed, the Indian minister said that there are no comparison between the two and said that Unless Pakistan curb the people who are hostile to India like Hafiz Saeed, who always called for Jihad against India, such people would not help in smoothening of ties between the two countries. When asked about his consistent phones to New Delhi during his meeting with FM Qureshi, Krishna altogether denied it, saying that he never used his phone, however added that during the diplomatic parleys, the FMs always stay in touch with their base.I have not spoken to anybody, the mandate given to me was precise and so clear that I did not need any additional instruction from Delhi. Regarding timeline on Mumbai incident investigation, Krishna said that such issues are not time-bound in diplomatic parleys. We do not go by timeline unless it is absolutely necessary, however, added that terrorism is the biggest obstacle in normalizing of ties between the two countries and unless it is met all other efforts are futile. When asked about any gains from the meeting with Qureshi, Krishna said that, I think we have made some headway and trust deficit is getting reduced.
