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Dialogue with Pakistan, better ties with China, US: Kalam
India desires a dialogue with Pakistan "on all outstanding issues" within the framework of the Simla Agreement and all subsequent agreements.
The Indian government desires a dialogue with Pakistan "on all outstanding issues" within the framework of the Simla Agreement and all subsequent agreements between the two governments, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said here Monday.
Addressing both houses of parliament, Kalam said the government would give the highest priority to building closer political, economic and other ties with its neighbours in South Asia and to strengthening the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
In a tour de force of the foreign policy perspective of the new government, Kalam also said trade and investment with China would be expanded further and talks on the boundary question would be "pursued purposively".
India would also expand political and security exchanges with China to ensure regional security, he said.
India, he said, also attached high importance to its relations with the US.
Kalam said India would pursue an independent foreign policy on all regional and global issues "keeping in view our interests".
"We have to reorient the role of non-alignment in a post-Cold War (situation), globalising the world. My government is committed to fostering multi-polarity in the world political and economic system."
The government would pursue a closer strategic and economic engagement with the US, the European Union and Japan, he said.
Dwelling on relations with other key countries and regions, Kalam said: "The Russian Federation remains an important entity in India's foreign policy orientation, given the long-standing and multi-dimensional convergence of interest and the resultant strategic partnership between India and Russia."
The president went on to say that the relationship with ASEAN collectively and with the countries of that region individually would be intensified.
Traditional ties with the countries of West Asia would also be given a fresh thrust, he said.
"My government will continue to fully support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
"Our relations with Israel, which have developed on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation, are important, but this in no way dilutes our principled support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people."
The president also spoke on the situation in Iraq, saying: "We welcome moves for an early restoration of sovereignty to the people of Iraq. We note with satisfaction the UN involvement in this process."
On Sri Lanka, he said: "My government will support the peace initiative in Sri Lanka that fulfils the requirements of all sections of the people of Sri Lanka for a life full of dignity and self respect and meets the legitimate aspirations of all linguistic and religious minorities, while respecting the territorial integrity and solidarity of Sri Lanka."
On Afghanistan, Kalam observed: "Our traditional friendship with Afghanistan has been revived under the government of President (Hamid) Karzai."
"My government has developed multi-faceted cooperation with Myanmar, Iran and all the countries of Central Asia," he added.
The president also said: "My government shall seek to resolve outstanding issues with Bangladesh and strengthen our relations with this important neighbour. It will continue to attach great importance to our close and vibrant partnerships with Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives."
