The Hindu : National : 'India sincere about discussing all issues with Pakistan'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 25, 2004

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National

'India sincere about discussing all issues with Pakistan'

By Amit Baruah

NEW DELHI, JUNE 24. The Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, said today that India is sincere about discussing and resolving all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, with Pakistan, as it actively pursues the composite dialogue.

In an address to the nation, days ahead of the crucial Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries, Dr. Singh said, "We recognise that resolution of major issues requires national consensus and accommodation of public sentiment in both countries. It is self-evident that terrorism and violence would cast a dark shadow over this process."

Signalling continuity in the country's nuclear "doctrine," the Prime Minister, for the first time, committed his Government to maintaining a credible, minimum nuclear deterrent, along with a policy of no-first use of nuclear weapons.

"India is a responsible nuclear power and we will continue to work to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. At the same time, we remain committed to the goal of universal nuclear disarmament," he said.

He sought to share his "deep concern" about developments in Iraq and the suffering of the people there. "It is our earnest hope that democracy would be restored and full sovereignty transferred to a truly representative Government of Iraq."

Without being specific, Dr. Singh said India is committed to participate in all endeavours aimed at bringing stability and to ensure the well-being of the people of Iraq.

Referring to India's South Asian neighbours, other than Pakistan, the Prime Minister said it will be his Government's sincere effort to jointly realise the vast potential for cooperation and to ensure "mutual security, stability and development".

"In our relations with China, we are encouraged by positive developments, which we are committed to strengthening. Bilateral economic cooperation has shown remarkable growth and diversification. We shall carry forward the process of discussion to resolve the boundary question from the political perspective of our bilateral relations," he said.

In a pointed reference, Dr. Singh said New Delhi's "strengthened relationship" with Washington is a "fact" of considerable importance. "The transformation of our relations with the United States has been supported by the expansion of economic links and people-to-people ties. We will welcome the expansion of cooperation between the two Governments to include new and mutually beneficial areas, particularly high technology."

Dr. Singh stressed that the strength and vibrancy of India's partnership with Russia had withstood the flux of the Cold War world. "We will accelerate the diversification of our relationship, particularly in defence, high technology, space and nuclear energy, while intensifying economic cooperation."

Significantly, he stated that India will pursue a cooperative relationship with the European Union to expand the political and economic frontiers of collaboration. "We welcome the inclusion of many new member States, with whom we have a long tradition of cooperation."

"We will also strengthen our bilateral relations with developing countries of Latin America and Africa. Similarly, strong ties with nations of Central Asia are of importance for our international trade, as well as our strategic and energy security," the Prime Minister added.

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