India calls for Pakistan to act against terrorists

NEW DELHI — India’s defense minister says Pakistan must take strong action against terrorist outfits operating from its soil to improve ties between the two countries which have fought three wars since 1947.

Defense Minister A.K. Antony says there are elements in Pakistan’s “structures” that are supporting terrorists.

Antony told reporters Friday: Pakistan must “destroy all terrorist outfits on its soil” if it wants to sincerely improve relations with India. He was speaking after addressing a meeting of Indian army commanders.

Pakistan denies India’s charge that it has been arming and training insurgents groups fighting for Kashmir’s independence from India or its merger with Pakistan since 1989. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the conflict.