Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday reiterated India’s commitment to friendly ties with neighbouring countries without compromising on the safety, security and dignity of the nation.
Referring to Pakistan and China, Rajnath Singh said peace was not possible in Asia without having good relations with both the neighbouring countries. “We believe that all issues, whether related to terrorism or boundary, can be resolved through talks.”
Singh, who began his three-day trip to the State of Jammu & Kashmir, was addressing jawans of the Indo- Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) after inaugurating a residential complex along the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway near Ghagwal.
Referring to India’s stand on holding dialogue with its neighbours Singh said, “India is ready to take the lead. I always wish for better relationship with our neighbours. It is always an endeavour from our side. We have extended our hand (of friendship to Pakistan and China).”
Patting jawans of ITBP for showing exemplary courage and defending the frontiers of the nation in the highest battle field, Singh said the BJP Government was committed to equipping the soldiers with latest equipment under its modernaisation programme.
He said India was a peace loving nation. “India has never been an expansionist country. Neither have we been expansionist nor will we be in the future. I am saying this with full determination because India is the only country in the world where saints and sages have not only considered people living within the borders as its citizens, but also the other people living in the world,” he said.
later interacting with the reporters the Union Home Minister fielded several questions on the need to have dialogue with Pakistan and China in the wake of mounting tensions along the line of Control (loC) and the line of Actual Control (lAC).
Replying to a question about the increase in border skirmishes and plight of people living along the border, Singh said, “I want to reassure the people of the country that there will be no compromise with the security, honour and dignity of the country by our Government.”
When asked whether as Home Minister he was satisfied with the working of the BJP-PDP alliance Government in the State, Singh said, “Our alliance Government is working fine in the State.”
Asked about hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s plan to attend OIC meet in New York, the Union Minister said he had nothing to say about the subject.