India today said cross-border terrorism and anti-India activities from neighbouring territories have impacted on the process of South Asian regional cooperation at all levels.
In an apparent reference to Pakistan, India today said cross-border terrorism and anti-India activities from neighbouring territories have impacted on the process of South Asian regional cooperation at all levels.
External affairs minister SM Krishna said India was willing to take responsibilities asymmetrically and in a non-reciprocal manner for the benefit of the countries in the region but the prospects for cooperation have "become captive to the security situation".
"Issues such as cross-border terrorism and incidents of anti-India activities from territories of our neighbouring countries have impacted on the process of regional economic engagement, connectivity and people-to-people contacts," he said.
Krishna was addressing the South Asian Economic Integration conference organised by FICCI, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) and the ministry.
"Whereas prospects for cooperation are bright, a realistic assessment indicates that these prospects have, to an extent, become captive to the security situation," he said.
Stressing the need for "South Asia to move beyond security issues that shackle it, into an era of mutual trust and mutually reinforcing growth and development", the minister said Saarc countries represent one-fifth of humanity and it was only through closer economic cooperation that the region's full potential could be harnessed. Krishna asked the business community of South Asia to play a leading role in promoting economic cooperation and help build a climate of mutual trust and confidence.
He also talked about the recommendations of the Saarc Transport Ministers Meeting pertaining to physical connectivity.
It includes identifying three road corridors from Saarc member-states through Pakistan to Afghanistan via the Attari-Wagah border, early commencement of Colombo-Cochin sea link and running of a demonstration container train from Pakistan to Bangladesh through India and Nepal, he said.
The recommendations also include early commencement of direct air linkage between New Delhi and Male and establishment of an expert group to finalise Motor Vehicles and Railway Agreements.
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