New Delhi: India's efforts to have a "closer and broader" cooperation in South Asia has often faced roadblocks due to the "unique challenge" from Pakistan which tends to use terrorism as an instrument of policy of diplomacy, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said.
In strong criticism of Pakistan, he said almost all major initiatives of India in SAARC -- be it enhancing connectivity or having deeper engagement in some other key areas -- did not fructify due to hurdles posed by Islamabad, adding terrorism is central to the problem.
Jaishankar described Pakistan as a country which not only has a "different view of the region but also has an attitude towards use of terrorism as an instrument of policy of diplomacy which makes it a difficult partner for all of us."
"The neighbourhood clearly faces unique challenge with respect of one country which is Pakistan," he said, adding the centrality of the problem is "terrorism".
He said that India has made every effort in the last two years to improve relationship with Pakistan.
"What you have seen in the last two years is a great effort on our part to reach out to Pakistan and find common ground on many issues that face the relationship. The last time this was done in December when the Foreign Minister went for the Heart of Asia conference and we agreed to have comprehensive bilateral dialogue which we hoped would begin in January this year," he said, adding then Pathankot terror attack took place.
Jaishankar said there was a lack of progress in Pathankot terror attack probe and continuous cross-border infiltrations and attacks.
"Terrorism issue has become so central that it makes it very difficult for the relationship as a whole to progress," he said.
The Foreign Secretary was interacting with journalists at Foreign Correspondents' Club in New Delhi during which he touched upon a wide range of issues including challenges on foreign policy front and India's engagement with major powers like US, Russia and China.
Talking about government's neighbourhood first policy, he said though India has been sincere in ensuring development of the region, its politics often come into play.
"While we all agree that we should move forward, it does not always go smoothly as domestic politics of our neighbours pose challenges. We have learnt to be patient and the mix of diplomacy and patience did see through difficult situations," said Mr Jaishankar.
