Samba (J&K): In a clear messsage to Pakistan and China, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday asserted that terrorism, infiltration and border transgression must be stopped for improving relations with India.
He also said India always endeavoured to have better ties with all its neighbours and did not harbour any “expansionist” ambitions.
India has voiced serious concerns over terror acts against it emanating from Pakistan besides repeated infiltration bids and frequent ceasefire violations. “We want better relationships with China and Pakistan. Peace cannot prevail in Asia and the continent cannot prosper on the path of development” till India’s relations with them improve”, he said.
The Home Minister said,”Whether it is a question of border disputes or issues of terrorism, I feel all the issues can be resolved through talks. India is a peace loving country. We only want to defend our borders.” Singh, who is on a three-day visit, said India has never nursed expansionist ambitions nor will it do so in future. “We have given the message to the world about the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the whole world is a family… due to this we want good relations with all,” he said.
Asked by reporters on dialogue with Pakistan in the backdrop of heavy shelling and firing on Indian civilian population from across the border, Singh said, “I have not spoken about any specific country. I talked about a principle. India wants good relations with all its neighbours. Good relations can be built. But it has to be from both sides. India has always taken the lead in this regard.
“I want that Pakistan should make efforts and take the initiative so that Indo-Pak relations improve,” he said. Replying to a question about increase in border skirmishes and plight of people living along border, Singh said, “I want to reassure the people that there will be no compromise with the security, honour and dignity of the country by our government.”
The Home Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it very clear to China that resolving all outstanding issues including border disputes is the key to improved bilateral ties.
Singh commended the role played by the ITBP saying it is not only guarding the borders but also protecting India’s assets in countries like Afghanistan. He lauded the role played by ITBP in defending the Indian consulate at Herat from a terrorist attack last year. (PTI)
