Indian envoy calls for better Indo-Pak relations; urges end of violence

There is a need to come out of the "environment of violence" to move forward in relations between India and Pakistan, the Indian envoy here said on Sunday.

High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Basaria said it was the Indian High Commission's effort to take steps to improve relations with Pakistan.

"There is a new government in Pakistan and we would like to talk to it and move forward. We need to come out of the environment of violence and move ahead in our relations," Basaria said here during his visit to Lahore's famous Liberty Market where he came shopping.

"Both countries have moved forward in some matters. The people of both countries love each other. It will be our utmost effort to move forward in relations between the two countries," he said.

The Indian envoy further said there is the potential of USD 37 billion in the direct trade between Pakistan and India.

"At present, there is a trade of USD 2 billion between the two countries. We need to take steps to have direct trade between us," he said.

"This is my third visit to Lahore. I have come here on the wishes of my wife who wants to buy a famous pair of 'chappals' (footwear) from Lahore. I feel good in Lahore as it has a special culture," he said.