| Rajnath bats for peace in Asian continent, says India not expansionist | | |  Early Times Report
Samba Sept 21: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that India does not have any expansionist aspirations, but stressed that peace and prosperity in the Asian continent could not prevail until India's relations with Pakistan and China are not harmonious.
"We never have been expansionists and never will be, but our country always endeavored better ties with Pakistan and China," said Rajnath Singh.
Singh was addressing the ITBP troops, after inaugurate a new officers' mess at the camp of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) here at Samba.
He is on a three-day visit to forward areas along the borders with Pakistan and China, including Chumar in eastern Ladakh which saw a fortnight-long stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops a year ago.
The union Home minister while laying stress on stopping infiltration and transgressions from across, said India only wants to defend its borders. He also said that India is always ready in taking the lead for friendly gestures with the neigbours and want better relationships with China and Pakistan but will not compromise with its honour and dignity.
Not only with China, but Indian wants "heart-to-heart" relationship with all neighbouring countries, he said.
"Whether it is a question of border disputes or issues of terrorism, I feel all the issues can be resolved through talks," he said, adding, "India is a peace loving country. We only want to defend our borders."
Singh also said that during the swearing in ceremony of NDA, Prime Minister had invited all the heads of neighbouring countries not only to shake hands but to have heart-to-heart relations.
Earlier speaking to reporters, union home minister Singh said, "I always wish for better relationship with our neighbours. It is always an endeavor from our side. We have extended our hand of friendship to Pakistan and China." On the issue of dialogue with Pakistan in the backdrop of heavy shelling and firing on Indian civilian population, he said, "India wants better relations with the neighbours. Pakistan should come forward with zeal. India is ready to take lead."
"I want that Pakistan should come forward so that relations between India and Pakistan are better as both are neighbours. But at the same time, we won't compromise on safety, security, honour and dignity of the country," Singh said.
Asked whether India was hopeful of a positive outcome from Indo-Pak flag meeting on LoC today, he parried a direct reply saying that Pakistan Rangers DG had met him and given an assurance on this.
On the issue of compensation to border firing victims, Singh said that his government has enhanced the ex-gratia relief from Rs one lakh to Rs five lakh.
The Home Minister said that a decision would soon be taken on proposal for construction of bunkers.
Asked about the working of the PDP and BJP government in the state, he said that "it is running fine".
Citing former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's remarks that you can change a friend but not a neighbor, Rajnath Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi too has been working in this direction. |
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