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QUESTION NO.4333 INDIAN POLICY ON NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

April 05, 2018

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4333
TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.04.2018


INDIAN POLICY ON NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

4333. SHRI C P NARAYANAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government adopts a policy of holding talks with our neighbouring countries including Pakistan and China to settle disputes in the background of US and North Korea negotiations;

(b) whether Government is prepared to take initiatives in the matter;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]


(a) to (d) The process of bilateral engagement with our neighbouring countries is continuous and ongoing. This is reflected in Government’s continuing political outreach, joint initiatives and people-to-people contacts with neighbouring countries.

With Pakistan, during the visit of External Affairs Minister to Islamabad on December 9, 2015, both sides agreed to a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue. Foreign Secretaries of the two countries were mandated to finalise the modalities of the Dialogue. However, the meeting of the Foreign Secretaries could not take place in the wake of Pathankot Air Base terrorist attack on January 2, 2016 and subsequent intensification of cross border terrorism aimed at India and emanating from Pakistan. Government has conveyed that it is committed to resolving all issues peacefully and bilaterally in keeping with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, in an atmosphere free from terror, hostility and violence. Onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere.

India’s engagement with China is multifaceted. In view of the significance of the bilateral relationship, both sides are working towards utilizing their bilateral dialogue mechanisms to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhancing communication at all levels in order to build greater trust and understanding. Both sides share the view that India-China bilateral relationship has an important role to play in the 21st Century in Asia and in the world, and that it serves the shared interest of the two sides to strengthen their Closer Developmental Partnership.

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