Surat, Aug 16: External Affairs Minister, Yashwant Sinha today underscored Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's efforts to strengthen India's bilateral ties with neighbouring countries.
"Vajpayee has worked out the country's foreign policy with the noble purpose of further strengthening relations with her neighbours," Sinha told reporters here.
He named Pakistan among other neighbours including China, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as countries for strenghtening ties.
Sinha, who is on a day's visit to the city, said countries must safeguard their national interest while outlining foreign policies and added they should also consider guidelines of the united nations.

"If the situation warrants under the purview of united nations, changes can be made for peace in the global scenario," he added. "The Indian government took lead to improve relations with neighbouring China, Bangladesh and Pakistan and there was a sign of warm friendship among the people", the external affairs minister said adding "the initiative has received positive support from other foreign countries."

"But there will be no compromise on any burning border-related issues at the cost of Indian soil," he said.

Sinha, who inaugurated a passport office here, also held a series of meetings with the members of southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and People of the Bihar Vikas Parishad, Surat unit. Bureau Report