New Delhi: Observing that Indo-Pak ties were now "significantly different" compared to 2002, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh today (Oct 9, 2004) said while India was committed to deepen its engagement, the whole process was "critically dependent" on Pakistan honouring its commitment not to allow territory under its control to support terrorism.

He also suggested that SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) countries should speak in one voice on key issues to make the regional grouping more effective.

Addressing a conference organised by South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) in New Delhi, Singh said from a strained relationship "now there is a distinct change in attitude among people, political leadership and information makers... in India and Pakistan which is welcome".

India, he said remained committed to move ahead with the Composite Dialogue with Pakistan. This process would have a major impact for the rest of the region, he said.

If there was a broad agreement on foreign, security, food and other key issues with SAARC members speaking in one voice, "We would be more effective as a regional organisation," he stressed.

Dwelling on Indo-Pak ties, he said, "We remain committed to deepen our engagement. However, the whole process is critically dependent on the fulfilment of President Pervez Musharraf's reassurance of January six, 2004 not to permit any territory under Pakistan's control to support terrorism in any manner."