By IANS
New Delhi : India Wednesday gave a cautious welcome to the emergence of a “democratic order” in Pakistan and said it was ready to resume composite dialogue “to resolve outstanding issues” after a new government takes charges in the country.
“The recent elections in Pakistan are Pakistan’s internal affair. Since you have asked, the government of India welcome the fact that the people of Pakistan have been able to express themselves clearly and in a democratic manner on their own future,” the external affairs ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna said in response to a question on the developments in Pakistan.
“As ever, the government of India stands ready to resume the composite dialogue process as soon as a duly constituted government is in place in Pakistan,” he added.
“It remains our hope that we will be able to resolve outstanding issues and build a mutually beneficial relationship with Pakistan in an atmosphere free of violence and terrorism,” the spokesperson said.
“India wishes to see Pakistan develop and prosper within a stable democratic order,” he stressed.
Opposition parties defeated the allies of President Pervez Musharraf in Monday’s National Assembly elections.
India is hoping that the peace process with Pakistan, which was put on the backburner due to political turmoil in that country last year, will acquire momentum after the new regime settles down, official sources said.