NEW DELHI: President Pratibha Patil yesterday said the reshaping of relations with Pakistan would depend on its “sincerity” in preventing terrorist groups from launching attacks against India.
“My government will seek to reshape our relationship with Pakistan depending on the sincerity of Pakistan to confront groups who launch terrorist attacks against India from its territory,” Patil said in her address to the joint session of Parliament.
The new government said it would seek to mend ties with Pakistan as long as Islamabad “confronted” militant groups operating on its soil.
The comments came two days after New Delhi said it was disappointed by the decision of a Pakistani court to free the head of an Islamic charity which New Delhi says was linked to last year’s Mumbai attacks.
Patil, outlining the foreign policy of India’s newly elected government, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s administration will also sort out differences with other neighbors such as China, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
“The government will sincerely work with our neighbors to ensure that outstanding issues are addressed and the full potential of our region is realized,” she said.
On the other neighbors in South Asia, Patil said: “In Nepal and Bangladesh, where multiparty democracy has returned, India will work closely with both countries to continue expanding bilateral ties for mutual benefit.” Referring to Afghanistan, she said that India will continue its assistance for the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.
Smaller South Asian neighbors Bhutan and the Maldives will also get attention to “strengthen our close and vibrant partnerships.” The momentum to improve relations with major powers will be maintained. “The transformation of our partnership will be taken forward,” Patil said.
She also unveiled agenda that includes reviving the economy through more investments in sectors such as infrastructure, a blueprint for national security and a host of social welfare programs focused on creating a more inclusive society and economy.
“In 2004, my government had set before the country a vision of an inclusive society and an inclusive economy. My government sees the overwhelming mandate it has received as a vindication of the policy architecture that it put in place,” Patil said.
The president highlighted 10 areas that would get top billing during Singh’s second term in office. These include internal security, growth in agriculture and manufacturing, health and education, governance reform and energy security.
— With input from agencies
