NEW DELHI, Aug 21: Without some decisions on overflights and additional bus services between Lahore and Delhi by Islamabad, India on Thursday indicated it was not keen on the resumption of Samjhauta Express between the two countries.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a seminar here on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal said Pakistan was yet to positively respond to its offer for resumption of overflights and introduction of additional buses for Delhi-Lahore journey.

“We do not have any problem with regard to resumption of the Samjhauta rail link. But given Pakistan’s attitude towards overflights and the bus service, how can we proceed on the rail link?”, Mr Sibal asked while responding to a question on the possibility of resumption of rail links between the two countries.

Emphasizing that India would pursue step-by-step approach towards improving bilateral relations, Mr Sibal said any talk on resumption of rail link would only “amount to accelerating the pace of normalization unnecessarily. We have to take a step, consolidate on it and then move further”.

Responding to another question as when he expected bilateral dialogue to start, Mr Sibal said: “Talks have already started indirectly with the high commissioners of both the countries in place”.

“Whatever political message has to be given, can be delivered through the respective high commissioners”, Mr Sibal added. However, as far as resumption of ministry level talks between India and Pakistan are concerned, it would begin only after Pakistan takes effective steps on ending cross border terrorism, Kanwal Sibal said.

When his attention was drawn towards the recent visits by the parliamentarians from both countries, Mr Sibal said: “Our doors will be open once the menace of cross-border terrorism is put to an end by Pakistan”.—APP