Patil insisted on Pakistan initiating credible steps against terror infrastructure on its soil, which would enable India to make the first move for meaningful talks, including resumption on the stalled Composite Dialogue.

In her address to both Houses of the Indian Parliament at the commencement of the Budget Session, Patil said, “India is ready to explore a meaningful relationship with Pakistan, if Pakistan seriously addresses the threat of terrorism and takes effective steps to prevent terrorist activities against India.”

The president’s remarks assume significance after the beheading of two Sikhs by Taleban forces in the northwest province of Pakistan. External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna said, “Such barbaric acts will take us back to the medieval times. The Government of India condemns this barbaric act.”

As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh prepares to make his historic visit to Saudi Arabia at the weekend, Patil noted that India has been improving ties with the Central Asian countries after her visits to Tajikistan, the Gulf and West Asia.

“India’s steadfast support to the Palestinian cause was reiterated during the visit of the President of the Palestinian National Authority,” she said.

Patil pledged the government’s commitment to the early passage of the Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill 2005.

This Bill was drafted in the wake of horrendous communal violence in Gujarat under the BJP Government in 2002.

Among other issues, she expressed hope that the Women’s Reservation Bill, providing a third of seats for women in Parliament and State Legislatures, would soon be passed.

She outlined measures from the government with regards to providing the best food prices to poorer citizens. 

Patil outlined the several flagship programs aimed at securing rural regeneration.

She referred to education and said the government was committed to bringing about a paradigm shift in educational infrastructure based on the three pillars of expansion, inclusion and excellence.

She also highlighted the work done by railway constructors in improving connections in the Kashmir Valley and ongoing railway projects in the northeast.