India wants good relations with neighbours

K. Pathak and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) DG Krishna Chaudhary, Mr Singh visited Samba, close to the global Border and mingled with ITBP jawans and officers known as “Himveers”. India is a peace loving country.

On the issue of dialogue with Pakistan in the backdrop of heavy shelling and firing on Indian civilian population, he said, “I have said that India wants better relations with the neighbours”.

Speaking to mediapersons, the Home Minister reiterated that China must resolve border disputes in order to improve relationship with India, even as he urged Pakistan to take initiatives to better ties.

“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.

The field commanders from both sides are also set to discuss the modalities to defuse the tense situation. Singh, started his three-day visit to forward areas along the borders with Pakistan and China.

He said India was ready to take lead to improve ties with neighbours but would not compromise on honour and dignity.

He lauded the role played by ITBP in defending the Indian Consulate at Herat from a terrorist attack previous year.

However, while expressing desire to have good relations with China, the Prime Minister also made it clear that all outstanding issues between the two countries shall be resolved and transgression should be stopped, he added.

Singh said that ITBP has been guarding 3,488 km-long Indo-China border which is one of the most inhospitable and hard borders.