Union home minister Rajnath Singh said today that despite differences with Beijing, India’s relationship with China has “strengthened”

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Rajnath Singh said today that despite differences with Beijing, India’s relationship with China has “strengthened”, while Pakistan has painted itself into a corner “by adopting terrorism as its state policy”.

“There are certain perceptional differences regarding the boundaries between India and China, but the number of transgressions has reduced… On the other hand Pakistan is obsessed with certain issues,” said the minister at the inauguration of a two-day ‘Regional Editors Conference’ in Chandigarh.

“Pakistan has forgotten the difference between terrorists and freedom fighters. Terrorism in India is mostly sponsored from across the border…If Pakistan is serious about fighting terror then we are ready to help them eradicate terror, but their intention is not that,” Rajnath said, referring clearly to the Uri terror attack of last month.

To safeguard against cross-border terror, the minister again asserted that the international border with Pakistan will be sealed by December 2018.

“We have also strengthened India’s coastal security post the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Our security agencies are better prepared today. We have (also) stepped up vigil in the North Eastern region alongside the international borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar,” he added.

About the state of India’s economy, the minister said the country is well on its way to being among the top three economies of the world and that doesn’t sit well with some countries.

“India is today one of the top 10 economies and the fastest growing economy of the world. If this trend continues, India will be among the top three…India’s development depends on its core strength and competence but certain forces do not want to see India progressing,” he said, again alluding to Pakistan.

Bureau Report