Visit not Pak-centric, says Advani

Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani today said his current visit to the United States is not Pakistan-centric, but deals with the broader canvas of Indo-American relations, which are progressing very well.

Talking to reporters after separate meetings with US Vice-President Dick Cheney and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, Advani said, "India in its battle against terrorism relies on its own ability and strength to overcome it."

He said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had made it clear that talks with Pakistan can be meaningful only if a climate conducive to purposeful talks is created by ending cross-border infiltration and dismantling terrorist infrastructure.