Panaji, Nov 03: Defence Minister George Fernandes today said India has been persevering for good neighbourly relations with Pakistan. "We have been persevering for a long time for peaceful and good neighbourly relations with Pakistan," he said. Fernandes was replying to questions during an informal interaction with mediapersons after the commissioning of an advanced offshore patrol vessel for the Coast Guard at Mormugao Port.

Asserting that Pakistan was not a threat to India and the country need not be afraid of its western neighbour, he asked, "Where does Pakistan stand (before India) in terms of economy, technology, industry and GDP."


Describing China as a "great friend" of India, he said trade with that country had touched six billion US dollars and the Sikkim issue has been "resolved" after the visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee recently.

To a query, Fernandes said several steps have been taken for the acquisition of Russian aircraft carrier 'Gorshkov' and other minor details were being worked out.


The first phase of the three-phased work on the Karwar based `seabird' project of the Indian navy was expected to be completed next year, the minister added.
Bureau Report