New Delhi, Sept 2 - Indicating its willingness to engage with Pakistan, India Wednesday said any meaningful dialogue will depend on Islamabad honouring its anti-terror pledge in letter and spirit and stressed that steps to address terrorism would also be in the interest of the neighbouring country.

'The composite dialogue had been paused after the terrorist attack on Mumbai. We do sincerely believe it is in our vital interest to engage and normalize our relations with Pakistan,' External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said in response to a question from a journalist on the ministry's performance in the government's first 100 days in office.

'At the same time we are very clear that any meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can only be based on fulfillment of its commitment, in letter and spirit, not to allow its territory to be used in any manner for terrorist activities against India,' he added.

Therefore, steps to address the issue of terrorism will be in the interest of the bilateral relationship and also in the interest of Pakistan, the minister stressed.

Krishna also emphasised India's pursuit of 'a peaceful neighborhood in which all South Asian nations can work in concert to attain the common objective of growth and development, as well as combat challenges, especially the menace of terrorism.'

Underlining the interlinked destinies of South Asian countries, Krishna said that India is deepening relations with all its neighbours and is ensuring that the progress in relations is not held hostage to 'difficult, outstanding issues.'

'We are deepening ties with a number of South Asian countries as also to see democratic traditions taking deeper roots in our neighborhood,' the minister maintained.