Didn’t talk official issues with Pak PM: Khurshid

Ghaziabad, March 10: External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Sunday made it clear that he held no official talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf at Ajmer Saturday.

Khurshid said he merely received him formally.

"If (anyone) chooses an Indian religious place like the Ajmer dargah for mental peace, we formally receive him and allow him to do what he wants," Khurshid said.

The minister was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 44th raising day parade of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) here in Uttar Pradesh.

"We received Ashraf in a formal way but there were no official talks because that was not a suitable occasion.

"If the Indian government talks to a government, it is done at the government level in a formal way," said Khurshid.

He was asked how far the India-Pakistan peace talks have been successful.

"Success cannot be acquired in a day… For success, there is need to build a foundation on which a house can be constructed and people can live in peace. But it takes long long time."

Ashraf flew to Ajmer Saturday on a private visit to pray at the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. He returned to Pakistan also Saturday.