Terror and talks can't go together: MEA on Pakistan

New Delhi [India], Oct 18 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in reference to Pakistan reiterated that terror and talks don't go together.
In his weekly briefing here on Thursday, Kumar said that Islamabad needs to create a conducive atmosphere for the talks. He said, "The onus is on Pakistan to take credible steps and create conducive situations. Pakistan needs to take actions against terrorist infrastructure."
In the backdrop of the three-day visit of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the spokesperson said that the latter has been called on by the Home Minister and the External Affairs Minister.
The Sri Lankan Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday, Kumar added.
Amid the now-rubbished media reports claiming that Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has accused India of hatching a plot to assassin him, Kumar said that the reports have been dismissed.
"It has been dismissed by three releases. Media reports are false. All shades of political opinion in Sri Lanka call for closer ties with India," Kumar asserted.
Talking about India's S-400 deal with Russia, he said that India is engaged with the United States closely and has shared the position with the US. The S-400 deal is dictated by national interest, he underlined.
When asked about India-US relations with respect to Iran sanctions, Kumar clarified, "Our expectations are made known to the US side. We are engaged with all stakeholders." He further underscored that India's relations with Iran is aimed at protecting energy security and national interest.
Kumar also mentioned about Washinton's special representative for Iran Brian Hook's visit to India. Hook held discussion with ministers to understand India's position and perspective on the matter.
The spokesperson asserted that Hook was informed about the fact that the price of crude oil is a matter of concern of domestic economy and directly impacts common people.
Speaking about the H1b visa and the reports that the spouses of the visa holders will not be allowed to move to the US, Kumar said,"H1 b visa issue is an important issue for India; we are closely engaged with the US authorities."
He further clarified that the matter was raised during India and US 2+2 dialogue.
"We have informed the US administration that Indians who are working in US are highly skilled and have been contributing to US economy," Kumar added.
Addressing questions related to India-France relationship post-Rafale deal controversy, he asserted: "India continues to enjoy very good relations with France; Rafale deal issue has not impacted New Delhi's relations with Paris."
On India's relations with the Maldives, Kumar said that New Delhi is looking forward to work closely with Male.
When asked if Prime Minister Modi will take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih, Kumar said, "A verbal invitation was extended. We are in close touch with the new government."
"There is a need to preserve the acceptance of the will of people. We are confident that the will of the people will be accepted," Kumar added.
Kumar also talked about the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi saying that India is determined to extradite the economic offenders of the country. On Choksi, he clarified, "Antigua will examine and respond on their position on the extradition request by the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate." (ANI)