'India pursuing use of neighbouring countries against it'

The government consistently takes up at various levels with governments of neighbouring countires the issue and seeks their cooperation in curbing/eliminating the same, SM Krishna, Minister of External Affairs, said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

He informed that the issue was taken up during the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister to India in January 2010.

Bangladesh has reiterated that it would not allow its territory to be used for activities against India. We have recently witnessed enhanced cooperation from the Bangladesh side on this matter, Krishna said.

The Government of Myanmar has also reiterated their stand that they would not allow their territory to be used for activities against India. At the India-Myanmar Home Secretary-level meeting held in January 2010, both sides resolved to cooperate closely on such security issues, he added.

He said India has held discussions with Sri Lanka and Maldives to ensure that activities of terrorists and those inimical to India’s interests are prevented and security strengthened.

With regards to Pakistan, the minister said India has consistently emphasized, including at the highest level, the need to implement commitments given by leaders of Pakistan that it would not permit any territory under Pakistan’s control to be used to support terrorism against India in any manner.

During the Foreign Secretary-level talks on February 25, 2010, Government clearly conveyed India’s concerns on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and directed against India. Further information on terrorist threats and activities against India was also handed over to the Pakistani side for investigation and appropriate action, he informed.

The minister added that the Pakistan Foreign Secretary has stated that Pakistan was determined not to allow its territory to be used for terrorist activity against any country.

Security issues including counter-terrorism are discussed with Nepal at annual Home Secretary-level talks, Joint Working Group on Border Management and Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues, he informed.

“Measures have been taken to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly with regard to effective monitoring and management of the border,” he added.

On security concerns with Bhutan, Krishna said besides regular bi-annual meetings on border security and management both at Central and State levels, the issue of counter-terrorism is discussed during bilateral interactions.

“India and China have established a Dialogue Mechanism on Counter Terrorism, in which the two countries discuss cooperation in this area,” the minister further said.

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