External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar

India on Thursday dismissed remarks, made by Pakistan National Security Advisor Nasser Khan Janjua on the possibility of nuclear war, as ‘alarmist’.

Januja had made comments about the possibility of a nuclear conflict in South Asia due to the delicate security situation in the region.

“We are quite used to such alarmist comments coming out of Pakistan. It is clear that such statements are made with a political motive. I suggest they should not be taken seriously,’’ External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing.

On Pakistan Army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s reported advice to the country’s lawmakers to work for improving ties with India, the spokesperson said New Delhi too desired good ties with all its neighbours, including Pakistan. However, it was important for Pakistan to understand the core concerns of India.

“We have time and again emphasised to Pakistan the need to take action against terrorists and terrorist groups operating from its soil. This is something which they (Pakistan) have to handle if they are serious about cultivating friendship,’’ Kumar added.

In response to questions about the visit of the mother and wife of Indian prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav to Pakistan to meet him on 25 December, the spokesperson said the modalities were still being worked out.

Reports in the Pakistani media said India’s Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh would fly to India to bring Jadhav’s mother and wife to Pakistan for the meeting.