NEW DELHI: India wants good relations with Pakistan but Islamabad must stop “terrorist activities” directed against New Delhi as talks will get subdued under the “din” of bomb blasts, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Wednesday.

Press Trust of India quoted her as saying that 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 this week’s visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, she said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed to his guest that talks between the two countries would not be effective if bomb blasts continued.

“We told Pakistan that we want good relations with it. But for good relations, the talks can be effective and successful only if terrorist activities (directed against India) stop,” she was quoted as saying.

“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 subdued under 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 said India asked Pakistan to ensure speedy trial in 26/11 terrorist case being held in Pakistan. The Pakistani side said they were working on it, according to PTI.

She said the talks Mr Modi had with Saarc leaders, who had come to attend his swearing-in ceremony, were successful.

“He told the leaders that Saarc could not make an identity in the world because of bilateral issues. He said if bilateral contentious issues are left between the respective countries, then Saarc can emerge as a strong power,” Ms 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,” she said.

Asked what would be the new government’s approach towards the United States, Ms Swaraj referred to telephonic conversation President Barack Obama had with Mr Modi and the invitation extended to him to visit US by the American president.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2014