NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said New Delhi wishes to see a stable and prosperous Pakistan.
(Read more: India, Pakistan push fragile ties with trade diplomacy)
The remarks came as the Indian premier met with Pakistani Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim.
Fahim is on a five-day visit to India in a bid to promote trade between the two countries.
Singh termed the talks as constructive and backed efforts to increase trade volume to $6 billion in the next four years. Trade between the two currently stands at $2.7 billion.
Amin Fahim promised to lift trade barriers and claimed India will reciprocate by supporting Pakistan in the World Trade Organisation.
However, there has been no hint to whether Pakistan has assured New Delhi of granting it the Most Favoured Nation status.
Wasted potential
India and Pakistan may be home to some 1.4 billion people but bilateral trade flows are paltry.
The achievements are likely to be modest – from opening trading posts to stamping more business visas – but even small moves can improve frayed ties.
Irritants abound, trade across what is one of the world’s most heavily militarised borders is severely restricted both in the number of items that are permitted to be bought and sold, and the hours during which the customs are open for business.
Exporters are forced to route the bulk of trade via a third party such as Dubai, raising business costs, slowing deliveries and inflating prices. Business leaders on both sides bemoan the untapped potential of hundreds of millions of new customers.
Islamabad wants India to lower what it says are unfair barriers to trade, such as cumbersome approval procedures for exporters selling anything from cement to fruit and vegetables.
Another sore point is India’s continued opposition to a scheme proposed by the European Union to boost textile exports from areas of Pakistan ravaged by floods with duty waivers.
EU and Pakistani diplomats have said India could drop its veto against the scheme.
COMMENTS (78)
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Mr Singh said this before he was slapped by Sonia and woken up... or maybe he was drunk!
We Indians want a weak, poor, broken Pakistan which is totally dependent and subservient to the Brahman India. A weak Pakistan is in our interest; we will keep our efforts to further break Pakistan. If Pakistan prospers, India will have less control over it. We killed Gandhi because he talked of improving relations with Pakistan; He was a traitor; all indian traitors who support Pakistan will be eliminated and buried in mass graves... Jay bajrang bali
@Brasstacks: Diggy is a cut ashamed of his real name
@Noor: "Had the Indian establishment vision & maturity to face the world, it would have kept better relations with neighbors and solved all problems peacefully & justly." We are quite happy and content with how we have conducted ourselves. If it does not suit the neighours, tough luck. Go to some other neighourhood! You will not set the standards for anyone else but yourself, not the least for India!
@Safdar Imam: Indias most wanted criminal lives if DHA Karachi, people responsible for 26/11 are roaming freely in Lahore proud of their achievements. Effort should be from both the sides.
@Diggvijay Singh: So that they can fix matches in IPL also.
@Menon.
What the world thinks, it does not matter. There was a time when the world also believed that the earth is flat so much so that anyone who disagreed was put to death. Then recently the world thought that Saddam Hussain had weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and many other similar stories. Both the above proved devastatingly false. This is International politics applied wrongly and deviously to gain dirty results. No matter what the world says I state that Pakistan is not exporting terrorism globally, in fact innumerable times USA has publicly stated that Pakistan has made great sacrifices for world peace.
@Lee P, I again state: KHUSHI SAY MAR NA JATAY AGAR ETEBAR HOTA
You need to correct your general knowledge. To put the records straight, China retracted on it's earlier statement and their Foreign Office made a statement that the terrorist activity was carried out by their local extremists and neither Pakistan had any role to play, nor Pakistani land was used for training. Due to lack of knowledge I wonder how many more wrong analysis you are making and might have been in the past also.
I wish we really had such a positive thinking.
It is our wicked ideas, that are enabling the Super powers to play havoc amongst us.
Had the Indian establishment vision & maturity to face the world, it would have kept better relations with neighbors and solved all problems peacefully & justly.
What has Pakistan ever done for India?
@Diggvijay Singh...No one needs your identity certificate..
@K B Kale: He changes is statements everyday so what is one g .
@Diggvijay Singh: Will you ensure there security there were if i am not wrong 10 teams and the total matches were 64, think before you type.
@VINOD: Congress Gen Secretary uses only one 'g' in his name. So 'Dig' & 'Digg' are different entities.
Unless Pakistan dissociates itself from the 3 (infamous) 'M's viz. Military, Mullahs & Mujahideen, it has no future. All the greenbacks the US pours into it, all the RMB China pours into it.....all will go waste.
@Diggvijay Singh: relaxxx dude ,if someone doesnt believe than they just dont,i mean why do u feel the need to prove something,and whats with the birth certificate thing,lighten up.
@jaanam: wow what is it 1999....coz this joke was funny then.grow up.
@trueman: They are brainwashed
@Maoist: "All Pakistanis and Indians are laughing all the way to the bank…" you laugh all the way to the bank when you have made money but then what do Maoists know about peace and moneymaking.
@Diggvijay Singh: In your attempt to bend over "We need to find a solution to the Kashmir problem in accordance with the wishes of the people of Pakistan and the people of the Srinagar valley." you forgot the people of India.
I have no doubt that Mr. Singh means well and is sincere in what he says. My only concern is that he will be undercut by the same elements that planned and executed the attack on an Indian train carrying Pakistani peace visitors to India in early 2007. The attack, executed and launched by a joint group of Indian intelligence officers working with Hindu terrorist groups, killed 60 Pakistanis. The Indian intelligence agents walked free from the case and only Hindu extremists were convicted. These same people, especially inside Indian military, will subvert Mr. Singh's attempts to make peace with Pakistan and with Kashmiris.
@Diggvijay Singh: Dear Sir, So nice to see you here. How do you manage to be every where. Please let me know how can i correspond with you directly.
@Syed Abdul Wahab Gilani: "We too want to see a prosperous India with Naxalites as free and equal citizens of the country. Wishing India Best of Luck :)" Trust me we Indians also want Naxalites to join our society as free and equal citizens like any other. They are Indian citizens, after all. The only problem is that they have shown impatience. Change comes very slowly in a democratic society, but it is much more permanent than when it comes by a fiat as in any fascist country. As for your wishes, we sincerely wish Pakistan comes through this very difficult period and finally is at peace with itself and all its neighours!
The Pakistani establishement will always be thankless. Indian prime ministers have tried to build a good relationship with Pakistan in the past but all they have got is knives in their backs. Pakistan has continued to beat the Kashmir bandwagon at the cost of its own people and to a smaller extent the people of India aswell instead. India and Pakistan with all the cultural diversity have the capability to be one of the marvels of the world.
India even invited Musharaf for discussions. Even though he was responsible for the Kargil war at a time when India was trying to move the peace process forward while a predominantly right wing BJP govt. was in power. Suddenly now when the Indian intelligence has woken up and started to play the same games the ISI played for decades, Pakistanis are blaming all their problems on India. Pakistan just needs to get on with it and try to grow on its own just has India has done inspite of all its problems.
No country is without blame but a majority of Pakistans problems are self inflicted. Blaming everybody else for its problems is isolating Pakistan further and further.
hilarious
@Niaz Hussain Shah: Pakistan is in dire states economically ! Floods and epidermic are ravaging the country ! Militancy and terrorism is tearing it apart threatening the very existence of the nation. Politically it is getting hammered by every other country and is getting increasingly isolated ! It's sovereignty is breached with impunity by its very ally! Its neighbors are increasingly getting frustrated by its strategic depth policy. Baluchistan and Quetta are already running their own parallel governments! One part of the country they have already given up for Chinese occupation.
And when one good man comes and wishes prosperity to the nation extending trade relations to breath some fresh air to its economy, see what the country wants !
It needs Kashmir, it needs Siachen, Propaganda, Cross border terrorism from India and what not ! Guys Seriously, you guys surprise me !
@Rajendra Kalkhande: Here we say it: Totey ( parrot) ney " FAAL" nikali hey!
The question is Mr. Manmohan Singh whether we Pakistanis care enough to have a democratic government that serves the needs of the people instead of the needs of three Ms: Military, Mullahs, and Mujahideen.
If we care enough in Pakistan, we may have a chance at prosperity. Otherwise, expect all the hard working honest Pakistanis to keep moving abroad in droves leaving Pakistan full of the honest but too poor or meek to make a difference crowd while the evil people runneth over.
India wants to see us prosperous, that is great news. But the question is do we want to see ourselves prosperous?. We have proved again and again that we are own worst enemies.
@people calling me non-Indian
I want to clarify that I am a humble Indian citizen. All those spreading rumors about my Indian origin and nationality should be ashamed of themselves. They just can't tolerate different viewpoints. If you still want proof, just leave your email address here and I will send you a scanned copy of my birth certificate authorized by a government physician from Sahyog Hospital in my local town in Madhya Pradesh.
Vienna,03-2011 With all non serious comments apart, consider this.In a prosperous Pakistan Ajmal Kasab/Kalasi/Kasai/Butcher/ Quereshi will find a gainful job instead of the chance to butcher civilians without any hope of whatever gain.Does it make no sense?That is another way of helping Pakistan to abandon the suicidal road of Jihad. I welcome the Prime Minister´s considered statement. Next time, when India offers flood relief, hopefully Pakistan does not ask India send the cash to the United Nations opting 15% percent cash less cut by way of U.N. operational costs apart from currency conversion costs twice.The idea should sink in the minds of uncle Prime Minister Yousef Reza Gilani and his outside parliament All Party Conference. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India-- Kulamarva Balakrishna
@man: why man a even thinking about dismantling the berlin wall was seen as a joke
Friends- No personal comments is appreciated on Dr. Singh. People who are making fun of his religion etc should apologies.
If you do not want Pakistan to prosper, then be it. It has been known fact that how hard Pakistan has tried to destabilize India numerous times in the last 60+ years but Indian PM still has the guts to say this. Instead of appreciating, people make fun of him. SHAME!!
@Diggvijay Singh:
Cut the crap, you are NOT AN INDIAN. Who trying to fool?
@Niaz Hussain Shah:
False propoganda? Dude, get a grip, you people are doing an excellent job of propoganda yourselves. Better than any amount of money can buy. World thinks you are the "Epicenter of Global Terrorism" mand your main export is "International Terrorism". Don't think India can top that, do you?
We Pakistanis have become our own worst enemy.
@Safdar Imam:
Kashmir issue will be solved as soon as Pakistan vacates from PoK, China vacates from the terriotry you idiots gifted China.
Pakistan created the issue by invading Kashmir.
Get on with it fools.
Thanks Manmohan Jee otherwise on this side of the border only Insanity wins and prevails. The future of this region is in co-operation and not in confrontation. Hope our Army understand this as political leadership, in large, agree with friendly relations with India...
sardarji u shud start by giving pakistan $40 billion ur govt scammed in 2 g scam.
Pakistan's prosperity or ruin lies in the hands of the Pakistani people - India needs to do what is best for her. India's only watchout should be to prevent Pakistan from interferring in India - Trade and all that is a distant dream.
Mr Singh has a humorous side as well :-)
All Pakistanis and Indians are laughing all the way to the bank....:-)
"India wishes to see a prosperous Pakistan: Manmohan Singh" What was the exact time when he uttered these unbelievable words? I am dead sure the time was 12:00 noon.
It is heartwarming to see that our capable PM is saying such great things, when he is incapable at safeguarding the interest of the people of India. The only goodness he has in is that he hails from the great Sikh community which always fights for the sovereignty of India, other than that he is good at nothing. Complete wastage of our time. Go away.
What ever might be in heart, we never hear any pakistani leader, blogger say, we want prosperous and peaceful india.
@Niaz Hussain Shah: Itne hone ke bawajood, you're calling it "false propaganda"? Even your friend China does not think that. This is perhaps the best time for Pakistan to come clean and change its policies towards its neighbors. You cannot claim the sanctity of sovereignty when you don't respect your neighbor's sovereignty.
I am sorry for I misquoted and misinformed when I said 'We need to find a solution to the Kashmir problem in accordance with the wishes of the people of Pakistan and the people of the Srinagar valley'.
I have been reprimanded by my PM. Our official manifesto is: Kashmir is a closed chapter.
I apologize.
Normally I don't laugh at news stories but this too hilarious.
@digvijay For that style of trolling, better hunting to be had in Rediff.
@Lee P: Dear Sir before putting this question for others to comment may I ask you that can you kindly give five sound reasons to justify as to why India would like to see a weak Pakistan. Most of us keep repeating what has been pumped with out analyzing. Be cool and think a weak and unstable Pakistan will be a den of (as your Govt. says) NON STATE ACTORS who are playing hell with India and Pakistan both. A prosperous and stable Pakistan guarantees such peace where India will be able to put all its resources for development and progress.After centuries of enmity same countries have created EU. Why not we can do same to bring happiness to our selves. Destruction of Pakistan will release such powerful destructive forces that will cause destruction of India also. Why do we keep repeating same old cliches without analyzing the facts.To believe that India wants to absorb another 170 million Muslims is pure nonsense.
Indian prime ministers have done everything possible for Indo-Pak friendship. Atal Bihari Vajpayee went to Lahore by bus, unknowing that Musarraf was planning Kargil. Man Mohan Sigh has his mind and roots in Pakistan and wants genuine friendship. However, Pakistan pays back by sending terrorists. Highly unlikely that India will have another Pakistan friendly PM. India has to live with a terrorist friendly Pakistan. India has capabilities to deal with such issues as long as it takes. Pakistan should realize that Indian forces, unlike USA or Russia in Afghanistan, can sit in Kashmir or for that near Pak border for ever as their supplies don't come through Karachi. It does not cost India anything. Occasionally terrorists will have Mumbai like strikes and its difficult to stop them. However, there is very high risk that one of such strike might lead to all out Indo-Pak war. Chances of Indo-Pak war going nuclear are extremely high. May be we loose 3/4 of Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore and Pakistan loose most of her major cities. In my view such chances are very high if India Pakistan go to next major war. Make no mistake, Pak sponsored terrorism will be the sole cause of such war.
haha..... Really???
The prosperous civilian PAK is good for all. However, once there is a sign of prosperity, military PAK may want to spend it. PAK once grew well but that turned out bad for India. Hopefully this time PAK uses her wealth productively.
PAK prosperity is with India. However, it all depends how the next election cycle in PAK goes.
This man is hopelessly funny. Neither the Indians understand what he wants to convey nor can the Pakistani's. This man cannot even fire a minister who looted $ 10 Billion, nor can he get himself elected from any constituency in India. He does not even have the authority to speak even for the people of Delhi. He is so powerful that even a peon in his office does not stand up when he passes by. He should be given a Nobel Prize for noble intentions and sent into retirement
Mohney jee ( Mohan Singh), belongs to "gah" a place in Chakwal,Pakistan ,so if he wishes for a prosperous Pakistan he has every right for that, thank you Mr.Prime minister! He may come to live for some days to release some stress enjoying in Kallar Kahar ,in a developed Chakwal and his hometown as some years ago a General visited his ancestral home and renovated that for some reasons.And yes he also did some photography sitting in front of Taj Mahal .Neighbor should visit each other's.
The future of Pakistan depends upon our economic cooperation with our brothers across the boarder and indeed the rest of the world My fellow Pakistanis that are leaving comments that this is a joke probably feel that our future lies with the Mullah (as my old boss Zia did) - and look where that has got us ! - that is not what our founding father wished Mr Jinnah wished for.
We surely want to see a stable and prosperous Pakistan. The whole world is waiting for that.
manmohan singh is saying all this under US Pressure and because he was born in Pakistan.
Indians must try him for treason.....
may make sense if Bal Thakray says this .... and as a good gesture Sumita Thakray AIDS Foundation admits some poor Pakistani patients for free as a good freindly gesture...
Mr.Manmohan Singh, are you really "serious" on your statement?or you give this statement AT "12:" NOON OR AM?
Pakistani cricketers need to be invited to play in the IPL next year.
We need to find a solution to the Kashmir problem in accordance with the wishes of the people of Pakistan and the people of the Srinagar valley. And what about the wishes of people of India? Congress Party always took people of India for granted (except the 'minorities'). So what is new? But I don't think this guy is Pigvijay Singh, Gen Secretary of Congress Party.
As a peace-loving Indian, I firmly believe, all trade tariffs and barriers need to be lifted against Pakistan. India should open its borders for Pakistani citizens for uninterrupted people-to-people contact and free exchange of greetings and endearments. We have to encourage student exchange programs for arts, commerce and science universities and colleges. Our government should allow the telecast of beautiful Pakistani dramas and engaging Pakistani talk shows and debates on television. We should also screen Pakistani films made in Lollywood in our multiplexes to develop an appreciation for Pakistani art, culture and music. The Pakistani foreign minister, Miss Hina Rabbani Khar should be regularly invited to India along with other Pakistani women's activist cum politicians like Kashmala Tariq, Sharmila Farooqui and Fatima Bhutto for tips on addressing the gender imbalance and women's empowerment projects.
Good to see him saying such things. Honorable PM should further take steps to support present political and economic dialogue between Pak-India governments.
@Safdar Imam: How can it be top secret when you already know the secret?
@Diggvijay Singh: Falsehood never prospers, come on friend be a man & spell out ur identity.
KHUSHI SAY MAR NA JATAY AGAR ETEBAR HOTAPeace leads to prosperity and there is no doubt that our region really needs peace. It is important that India and Pakistan should trade but it is utmost important that they must resolve all issues leading to conflicts. Kashmir, Siachen and others are all conflicting areas. If these issues are resolved according to UN resolutions then it will automatically pave the way for developments in the region. India should also stop accusing Pakistan for its domestic problems. India should also stop its false propaganda against Pakistan and realise that Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism and has no sanctuaries for terrorist.
first work for a prosperous india..thats why i voted for you..
Then please stop baseless propaganda against the Pakistan and stop secret activities by RAW in the Baluchistan and solve Kashmir issue asap.
I hope Dr.Manmohan is speaking the truth. Does he really want to see a "prosperous" Pakistan?
Biggest Joke of the Century.
Meantime sir, have you heard of a name called 'Ajmal Kasab' ? If you are, kindly ask you Pakistan counterpart to release his parents (where they are ?), so that you can award them 'Bharat Ratna' for producing a such wonderful son, who had done spectacular service as an Indo-Pak ambassador.
Joke of the decade.
Under the able and visionary leadership of our honorable Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh, I am hopeful of an uninterrupted and uninterruptible dialogue process between the two neighbours. Although he speaks very little, I am sure Shri Manmohan Singh has the deepest regard for Pakistan and is always concerned about Pakistan's security and development. We need to find a solution to the Kashmir problem in accordance with the wishes of the people of Pakistan and the people of the Srinagar valley.