Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that his country has always endeavoured to have better ties with neighbours, particularly Pakistan and China, and all issues including border disputes and terrorism can be resolved through talks.
During his three-day visit to forward areas along the borders with Pakistan and China, Singh said India “only wants to defend its borders”. He said that India was ready to take the lead to improve ties with neighbours but would not compromise on its honour and dignity.
“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,” Singh said while addressing ITBP troops, who guard India’s border with China, at a function.
“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.”
“India has never been an expansionist country. Neither have we been expansionist nor we will be in future,” he said.
Asked whether India was hopeful of a positive outcome from Indo-Pak flag meeting on LoC today, he said that Pakistan Rangers DG had met him and given an assurance on this.