No ambience to hold serious talks with Pakistan: Congress

NEW DELHI: Narendra Modi should not forget in the "euphoria" of his swearing-in as the Prime Minister that there is "no ambience" to hold serious talks with Pakistan, Congress cautioned him today reminding that Pakistan has not dismantled the terror network operating from its soil.

"In the euphoria of his coronation, Modi should not forget that there is no such ambience or atmosphere for serious talks. There is no such signal from Pakistan regarding dismantling terror network operating from its soil," party General Secretary Shakeel Ahmed told reporters here.

Noting that today's attack on the Indian consulate in Herat in Afghanisatan is also an indication in this regard, Ahmed said, "We all know who assists Taliban in Afghanistan."

On Modi inviting SAARC nation heads including Pakistani premier Nawaz Sharif, he said though it is his prerogative, there is no such precedence of inviting any foreigner for the swearing in.

"But we welcome if he has called him for achieving good relations....We want good relations with our neighbours," he said.

At the same time, he reminded the PM-designate that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh never visited Pakistan nor did he invite former Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari or Nawaz Sharif.

"Because we had a precondition with which the opposition was also in agreement that as long as Pakistan does not dismantle the terror network operating from its soil or at least look working towards such a direction, there will be no talks with Pakistan," he said.

"We are okay if he wants to have a snap with Nawaz Sharif. It is also okay if some photo of the two gets published in newspapers. But as long as there is no signal from Pakistan about dismantling terror network, we should not hold talks with them," he added.