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
