Told Pak to stop terror activities for successful talks: Swaraj

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif in no uncertain terms that terror attacks against India should stop so that the two countries can talk and their “voices” can be heard. Stating this here today, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Modi had emphasised that any talks between the two countries to improve ties will be “effective and successful” only when terror activities against India end. [caption id=“attachment_1542651” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Sushma Swaraj with Modi. Swaraj is the first woman to get the external affairs portfolio. AFP.[/caption] “The voice of talks gets lost in the sound of bomb blasts. That is why bomb blasts should stop so that we can talk and our voices can be heard. Talks will get subsumed by the din of bomb blasts. He (Modi) conveyed it to Sharif in these many words,” 62-year-old Swaraj told reporters after assuming charge as External Affairs Minister. She was speaking on yesterday’s meeting between Modi and Sharif here which was seen as a step forward in the endeavour to improve ties as the two sides decided that their Foreign Secretaries will be in touch to explore a way forward. “We told Pakistan that we want good relations with it. For but for good relations, the talks can be effective and successful only if terror activities (directed against India) stops,” Swaraj said. She said the Indian side also asked Pakistan to ensure speedy trial in 26/11 terror case being held there. The Pakistani side said they were working on it. She said as External Affairs Minister her priority would be to showcase India’s strengths to the world and improve relations with neighbouring countries, strategic partners, Africa, ASEAN member countries, Europe and others. On Modi inviting foreign leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, Swaraj said “I would like to say that for the first time the SAARC leaders felt that a government and a Prime Minister who thinks out of the box has assumed power in India.” PTI