India on Wednesday said Pakistan needed to take 'several specific steps', including ending cross-border terrorism, to move the peace process between the two countries 'meaningfully forward'.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Navtej Sarna said Pakistan prime minister Mir Zaffarullah Khan Jamali's suggestions would be considered 'in due course' after it saw evidence of Pakistan taking 'firm and credible' action against cross-border terrorism.
Jamali on Tuesday suggested resuming diplomatic representation, resumption of rail, road and bus links and sports contacts.
Sarna pointed out the discussion on nuclear and other confidence building measures could be held in the context of the composite dialogue, which had specific agenda items of peace and security including CBMs.
The spokesman said Pakistan's proposal on SAARC-related trade relationship is 'inadequate'. He said substantive progress on trade and economy should take place to make the next SAARC summit meaningful.
While welcoming Pakistan's suggestions on the resumption of civil aviation links, he said, "Our understanding is that such links would include direct air service and overflights. We have sought a specific confirmation from Pakistan in this regard."
"In order to take forward the (peace) initiative, we have today sought agreement for the appointment of the new Indian high commissioner to Islamabad," he added.
He also pointed out that Pakistan had not sought any agreement for the appointment of its high commissioner to New Delhi.
The spokesman said India welcomed the release of Indian fishermen and crew members of an Indian cargo boat.
Sarna reiterated India's commitment to resolve all issues between the two countries bilaterally as provided for in the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration.
"We, on our part, remain fully committed to improving relations between the two countries," the spokesman added.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party also described as 'superfluous and insufficient' the confidence building measures announced by Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali.
The party said Pakistan should immediately end cross-border terrorism.
"The core issue is terrorism. Pakistan should stop cross-border terrorism and dismantle all terrorist camps in that country and also stop ISI activities in this country," party spokesman V K Malhotra said.
He added the Pakistan prime minister has not said a single word on terrorism and merely opening rail, road and air links would not help in restoring relations between the two nations.
He said the ground realities have to be taken into consideration before making any move in the direction of restoration of normal ties with Pakistan.
(With inputs from agencies)
