India today said it will take a decision at "appropriate time" regarding a visit by an NIA team to Pakistan in connection with Pathankot terror strike even as it asserted that Indo-Pak dialogue has not been suspended.
India has also asked Pakistan to take all necessary steps for ensuring safety, security and well being of all Indians in Pakistani custody especially in light of the mysterious death of Indian prisoner Kripal Singh in a jail there.
Asked about Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser Sartaj Aziz's remarks that they may consider allowing a visit by the NIA team if India would make a formal request, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "The (Pakistan) JIT visit was held in a constructive and cooperative environment to investigate the Pathankot Air Base attack.
"We welcome cooperation to combat all forms of terrorism... The investigations are ongoing. We will consider the next step at appropriate time."
On the status of Indo-Pak dialogue, Swarup said, "Multiple conversations have been held between India and Pakistan at multiple levels including at the level of the two Prime Ministers who spoke to each other quite recently.
"Obviously, after the Pathankot terror attack, the focus of the conversations was on the investigation of that particular attack. However, other aspects of the relationships have also been discussed. I have made statements and so has my Pakistani counterpart. So this should give you clarity that the dialogue process has not been suspended."
Earlier this month, Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit during an interaction with media here had said, "I think at present the peace process between India and Pakistan is suspended."
Asked about safety and security of Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails and whether the issue has been raised with Pakistan in view of Kirpal's death, Swarup said, "Yes.
"Through our High Commission in Pakistan, we have asked the government of Pakistan to take all necessary steps for ensuring safety, security and well being of all Indians in Pakistani custody. And, naturally this has been reiterated in light of what has happened with Kripal Singh.
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Asked if India has given a "timeframe" for Pakistan to
respond to its offer to provide fingerprints and DNA of the terrorists involved in Uri and Poonch attacks, Swarup said considering eight years have passed since Mumbai terror attack trial has been dragging, India has not put any timeframe.
It is in the interest of Pakistan to act swiftly against terrorists who they harbour, he added.
On whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Pakistan to attend SAARC Summit in early November, he remained non-committal, saying, "every question does not have a yes or no answer."
Asked about Pakistan not allowing India to transit wheat to Afghanistan, he said Pakistan is also a WTO member and is infringing on a fellow WTO member Afghanistan's right for transit, which is against global norms.
