CALCUTTA: Indian External Affairs Minister Inder Kumar Gujral asserted that Pakistan’s rejection of India’s documentary evidence about the former’s heIp to militants in Punjab and Kashmir did not “erase the credibility of our evidence”.
On his way to Dhaka for a three-day official visit to Bangladesh, Gujral reiterated his government’s determination to deal firmly with those indulging in violence in Kashmir at the behest of foreign powers.
Asked about Chinese morning dailies highlighting Pakistani views on Kashmir every day, the external affairs minister said, “we have good and friendly relations with China. We will build more confidence and strengthen such relations and cooperation with China. We will sort out all issues including border.”
Gujral said during his stay in Bangladesh, he would discuss all pending issues of mutual interest including the sharing of the waters of the Ganges, the Tinbigha corridor and infiltration from Bangladesh.
Gujral described as ‘“‘unfortunate” Sri Lankan foreign minister Ranjan Wijeratne’s allegation that India’s top intelligence outfit, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was planning to eliminate key men in the Sri Lankan government and pointed out that there was no pressure on Sri Lanka to Sign a peace and friendship treaty with India.
India, he said, was keen to improve and strengthen relationship with all neighboring countries to usher in an area of cooperation and peace.
Gujral observed, “‘the world has changed, new perceptions began and there is no reason why India and other neighboring countries in Asia cannot live in an atmosphere of friendliness and cooperation.”
Article extracted from this publication >> February 23, 1990
