Pratibha Patil said. — Reuters
NEW DELHI: Indian President Pratibha Patil unveiled the government’s domestic and foreign policy on Thursday, which includes an offer to reshape ties with Pakistan and a promise to expand with-ranging partnership with China.
Addressing a customary joint sitting of the parliament’s two houses to unveil the newly elected government’s approach to domestic and foreign issues, President Patil offered to hold talks with any group in Kashmir or the north-eastern volatile region if it abjured violence. She etched out a plan to improve connectivity between Kashmir and rest of India.
‘India has a vital interest in the stability and prosperity of our neighbours,’ she said. ‘The highest priority will be accorded to working with our friends in Saarc to promote stability, development and prosperity in the region. Government will sincerely work with our neighbours to ensure that outstanding issues are addressed and the full potential of our region is realised.’
She said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government ‘will seek to reshape our relationship with Pakistan depending on the sincerity of Pakistan’s actions to confront groups who launch terrorist attacks against India from its territory.’
She carefully balanced the approach towards the United States and Russia and spoke of improving ties with the Arab world, while ignoring any mention of Israel, a country that has emerged as a key arms supplier.
‘With countries of Europe and Japan my government will continue the sustained diplomatic efforts, which have produced qualitative changes in our relations since 2004. The multi-faceted partnership with China will be expanded.’
The new government will pursue a policy of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, from whatever source it originates. ‘Stern measures to handle insurgency and left-wing extremism will be taken. Government has already prepared a detailed plan to address internal security challenges to be implemented in a time-bound manner.’
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