By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : Pakistan is “pretty dysfunctional” and “perilously close” to becoming a failed state, Home Minister P Chidambaram has said as he voiced concern over the spread of Taliban influence in that country which could have a spillover effect on India.
He also said New Delhi was “willing to work” with Islamabad, provided Pakistan dismantled terrorist infrastructure and did business as a civilised nations.
To a question on how close Pakistan was to becoming a failed or at least a dysfunctional state, Chidambaram said, “I think many people would call it dysfunctional even today. I do not think it is a failed state but if it does not arrest the decline, it is perilously close to becoming one. It is pretty dysfunctional today”.
In an interview to Karan Thapar on ‘India Tonight’ programme, the Home Minister said India favours a stable democratic set up in Pakistan.
“…We are not happy with the turmoil in Pakistan. Taliban across our border has a tendency to spill over in different ways into India,” he said.
Asked if India has a stake in ensuring stable civilian rule in Pakistan, he said, “Of course a stable civilian democratic government means that we know who we are dealing with and there are checks and balances.”