Gurdaspur attack: National Security Advisor-level talks on with Pakistan

NEW DELHI: The terror attack in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district will not derail the upcoming National Security Advisor-level talks with Pakistan, officials have said. Crossborder terror tops the list of issues to be discussed between India’s AK Doval and his Pakistani counterpart, Sartaj Aziz, in Delhi next month. Although dates for the talks have not yet been firmed up, officials in New Delhi said the dialogue will be on course despite the attack.

The officials said the attack has bolstered the need to flag Delhi’s concern with cross-border terrorism.

The incident has yet again vindicated Delhi’s stand on terror emanating from Pakistani territory, they claimed. Both NSAs are expected to exchange dossiers on alleged cross-border terror strikes.

Condemning the attack, Pakistan Foreign Ministry said: “We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist incident in Gurdaspur in which a number of precious lives have been lost… Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We extend heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the government and people of India and wish the wounded speedy and full recovery.”