Silicon Valley: "Relations between India and Pakistan can improve only if Islamabad stops exporting terrorists," Indian Consul General in San Francisco has said.

"First thing is terrorism must stop. Only then can we look at each other as friendly or at least practical neighbours. We are prepared to discuss with Pakistan all problems as long as they stop exporting terrorism to India," H H S Viswanathan said addressing a gathering of San Jose Rotary Club this week.

He said the scourge of international terrorism had to be attacked in a comprehensive way and there were no good terrorists.

Vishwanathan said India was on alert at the borders, as despite Pakistan's assurances, New Delhi knew that the Pakistani government had the capacity to "turn the tap of terrorism on and off".

Referring to the forthcoming state elections in Jammu and Kashmir as a crucial event, he said, "We feel that elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be a big step towards understanding the mood of the people and to move further from there. But our past experience shows that Pakistan and the terrorist element have every interest in disrupting the elections."

PTI