A file photo of Indian Prime Minister Pranab Mukherjee. PHOTO: AFP
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has said that India is ready to extend the hand of friendship to Pakistan, but it should not be taken for granted.
In his address the nation on the eve of India's 64th Republic Day, Mukherjee said, “We believe in peace on the border and are always ready to offer a hand in the hope of friendship. But this hand should not be taken for granted.”
Acknowledging the fact that tensions between the neighbouring states act as a subtext of frontiers, Mukherjee also expressed concerns over sponsorship of terrorism through non-state actors.
The Indian media had earlier quoted Indian Defence Minister AK Anthony as saying that it is “too early” for India to normalise relations with its neighbour as infiltration attempts continue across the border.
Tensions between India and Pakistan were heightened earlier this month after a series of cross-border exchanges in the disputed Kashmir region wherein which five soldiers were killed on both sides. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed on January 6, before India claimed on January 8 that one of its soldiers was beheaded in an alleged attack by Pakistani troops.
Firing and small skirmishes are common along the 740km LoC despite a ceasefire that was agreed in 2003. The Indian army says eight of its soldiers were killed in 2012, in 75 incidents of ceasefire violations.
COMMENTS (80)
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@ParvezM: Well said, it is time that Pakistan Govt. close down their embassy in India and relegating it to the status of a consulate. Mr Zardari should call back his ambassador.
Rex Minor
@chandran: Not true; it comes from scriptures! From the creator of humans and the universe.
Rex Minor
@ ET
Discussing India-Pakistan Relations doesn’t seems to be a talk of the time, Pakistanis are too busy on coming elections, international community not impressed with Indian's Pakistan-bashing and war mongering, let these nincompoops speak what they want, nobody cares!
Once election finishes and new government will form then Pakistan will seriously look into this issue. Meanwhile Indians will have plenty of time to clean all those mess created by Hate Pakistan hysteria based on lie of beheading.
@Rex Minor
Thanks for that lesson on the handshake and its origins. I think it is used as a figure of speech in this instance. Pakistan is the pariah state in the region not India and its duplicity is the stuff of legends but India is still magnanimous. Pakistan does the qiam during sajda and vice versa, it makes one wonder what it aims to achieve by turning its cultural brethren into an enemy.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: Dear brother we only have ourselves to blame for loosing east Pakistan......just the same way we only have ourselves to blame for letting extremists flourish in our country
@Qalander: and what about the targetting killings of shias in kashmir by ur soldiers?
@Behari Kebab: plz ask ur artists to leave india...
Indian President is a liar; hindus do not shake hands. The ancient custom of shaking hands was to ensure that the adversaries did not have a weapon in the hand and with the feel of the hand each could feel the intention of the other. How on earth one is going to modernise hndus on "hand shakes"? I do not trust anyone without a hand shake.
Rex Minor
Law of nature says love thy neighbor
So Pakistan is nice country brave people nuclear armed country etc etc.
Disagreed, Pakistan already facing internal and external terrorism threat. Pakistan have tolirated huge loss in the war on terror with trillions loss of life and property. No country have match with Pakistan in this regard as openely recognised by countries allies in the the war on terror including the United states. .
As for as India is concerned and its leader ship's statement recently appeared in the press all are ''His Master's Vioce'' Baseless allegations are being levelled. In fact no sporsorship is being made through state or non state actors
Pakistan and India, have many common tradition and culture in the subcontenent
three wars were fought favour able result could not be received regarding the long standing peace in the region . Now the Indian leadership extend the hand of friendship toward Pakistan and paksitan without wasting no time hold it with sincerity . And in the first instance bothe the countries set the table for negotiationd on the disputed issues creating deep concerned for both sides.
For peace in the region, Pakistan freed Taliban leaders arrested on different places and different occusions .It is better step toward the peace already underwaybeween the stakeholders.. We describe Indian president'srevervation as most important. Pakistan should hold the hand of Indian friedship with sense and sincerity and both the countr move shoulder to shoulder for ending the terrorism in the region.
Those talking about pakistan nurturing terrorism, aren;t extremists like shiv sena roaming around your country freely.. not just roaming around.. they have their say on national level too. Please stop joking!
@ to all who wrote on my comments:
India is acting just lile Israel in the region and Pakistan will never accept India's supermacy.
Let it be clear to all that Pakistan is an independent country cand was previously consisting on East and West Pakistan.
It was India who broke our one arm and made East Pakistan into Bangladesh.
I am of the opinion that India is after the left over Pakistan but by the Grace of Al-Mighty Allah, the left over Pakistan has now become nuclear state.
Had we got the nuclear weapon before 1971, it would have not been possible for India to break Pakistan in 1971 and have created Bangladesh on the world map.
I think Mr Mukherjee has become compelled to issue such statements because Indian Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has revealed some true facts about BJP and RSS and their involvement in terrorist activities. I guess Mr Shinde's statements have proved to be the downfall of India's LoC drama. :D :)
What's wrong with Indians (so called largest Democracy)? And what is with their perennial obsession with Pakistan?
Our insecurity complex, a fear psychosis in Pakistan is perhaps understandable, given our relative smaller size, fragile democracy, weaknesses and the history of wars lost against India. And some of us in Pakistan indeed carry a chip on their shoulder and are rather sensitive to criticism. But Indian compulsive insecurity via-à-vis Pakistan just doesn't make sense.
Why should Indian fear and obsess over Pakistan that is not just smaller in size but is right now going through a serious existential crisis? It's like the mighty America losing sleep over the threat potential of Venezuela.
Failed Drama before Climax....poor India!!!
@Indian: Agree with you here but what about that confessional statements which gave your Home Ministers and Secry. Interior that BJP and RSS are monitoring,supporting and running the Hindu Terrorists' camps in India and who will eliminate/remove/uproot the these Hindu Terrorists' training camps in India ran,monitored and supported by BJP and RSS??????
@Manju: If these type of wild dreams gives them fantasy, Pl allow them the luxury. Atleast they deserve something to cheer around. By telling facts we inadvertently hurt their bruised ego.
I am a strong believer of peaceful relationship with neighbours. But to achieve that first we want strong actions against the terrorist networks across the boarder. Unless these terrorists are not silenced nothing is going to happen
"@Nitin Gandhi:We can be very good friend, but Pakistan needs to leave the terrorism." Yes definitely we Pakistanis have seen many times India's good sugar-coated bitter and harsh intentions and comradeship for/with Pakistan in the past.....
"Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has said that India is ready to extend the hand of friendship to Pakistan, but it should not be taken for granted." What the comradeship's offer from the Indian president with hidden threats and harmful and hazardous motives,objectives,intentions and purposes.What the neighbor India is of Pakistan!!!!! Sir we cordially welcome you and we are also ready for comradeship with India and also we have the same hidden and furtive attitude either positive or negative like you have for Pakistan but never forget it that the strong,stable,durable and permanent comradeship with India from Pakistan is only and only based on the resolution of the burning,core,long-awaited and long-standing Kashmir issue and sans resolving Kashmir issue there is no stable,strong,durable and permanent comradeship with India...
@ParvezM: The price of comradeship with India is only and only forgetting the burning,core,long-awaited and long-standing Kashmir issue to pay to India and Pakistan's present leadership's apparent attitude proves and shows that it is mentally preparing itself for paying this price to India for comradeship,business,visa,trade and traveling with India most especially importantly by giving India status as the Most Favorite Nation.....
So when is the next Kargil anyway?
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: "Pakistan is living in the world for the last 65 years without the friendship of India " +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Wrong, In 1971 Pakistan lost half of itself.
i knew that because India will think twice and thrice before it attacks Pakistan, no matter how many times India extend hand for friendship still it wouldn't be known as friendship..
oh come on now ... this Pak-India friendship kahani has boiled down to a Star plus drama !!!!
I don't think Pakistan needs this double-standard "friendship" with India. It seems that our neighbors are confused. Where were they when their media was spewing hatred against Pakistan. It is India who should not take Pakistan's tolerance for granted.
@ParvezM: What is the price of Bharti friendship? It will definitely not cost you Salalas and Malalas.....
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: Pakistan is living in the world for the last 65 years without the friendship of India and will continue to live with other nations of the world. It ended up splitting into 2 nations because it did not make friendship with India...Please continue your 'existence' without making friendship....
Indians will never forgive Pakistan for tearing their country apart. They begrudgingly tolerate us as their neighbors. While some in Pakistan may have used a blatant approach to inflict pan on Indians, India is much more sophisicated in how it does the same to Pakistan. It has a huge diaspora in the US and Europe, focused squarely on maligning Pakistan in the eyes of governments and common people. Moronic episodes by those who profess to act on behalf Pakistan provide Indian propaganda machinery much fuel to light this fire.
This alleged beheading incident (alleged because it has not been proven), has provided their bollywood-trained propaganda machinery fresh mud to rub on Pakistani faces. If Pakistan had a competent government and opposition, whose true goal was the betterment of their nation, they would not be fighting each other, and would instead focus their attention on competently dealing with such external and internal challenges to the country.
India now sees a Pakistan at its weakest, and wants to keep driving that stake deep into it's heart.
Happy Republic Day from 'World's biggest democracy' to all ... :-)
Likewise, Pakistan does not take anything for granted when it comes to dealing with India.Anyways, what other option do the Indians have.
@Shahid: How many solid evidence in your possession atleast for international community. If you wish every other to accept your views, that may not continue for ever that too in your terms as you paint.
Indian media and the comments posted on their sites are some of the most despicable I have seen around. Their media has done a good job of brainwashing them into jingoistic sheep that believe everything their govt tells them. Much like the americans.
India and Pakistan W/o terrorism can be very good friends
MFN status is the Price buddy...
Deja Vu ....
India has a President? Didn't know that...
@ParvezM: Surely not another adventure like Mumbai.
@Shahid: Donot address him by first name. Learn some manners first!
Indians probably beheaded their own soldier and as reported by Indian correspondent in Islamabad, the escalations were first started by India. So much for 'black' friendship. Cheers Khan from Waterloo, ON
i am becoming familiar with india politics - i think congress party wants the hindu vote - so they are trying to sound tough
Only to draw the hand back when both sides are close to a solution of the Disputes.... What a merry go round.
@ParvezM
The price of "Bharti friendship" is that you realize that neither India not Pakistan is going anywhere in terms of geography. The borders cannot be changed. You might have whatever ideas you do about why Pakistan was created and what its purpose was, but it will always be India's neighbor. If you accept that, then you will understand that the single biggest boost that Pakistan's economy can get is to liberalize trade with India. There will be huge orders from India for Pakistani cement, vegetables and so on. Punjabi and Sindhi farmers and manufacturers will be the biggest winners. Secondly, you might also understand that Kashmir, whatever its people decide to do (India, Pakistan or Independence) is not going anywhere either. It will stay where it is geographically. So, the solution is to mutually demilitarize and make the Line of Control just a line, with free trade and movement. How about that for a start? You Commerce Ministry has just announced that it will finally give India MFN status next month, almost 20 years after India gave Pakistan MFN status. Not too heavy a price to pay for "friendship", is it?
It's really sad to read the aggressive comments here from Pakistanis, as seen above... Yes our media thought that hate would sell and so started competing with each other to abuse Pakistan... it's true... we're sorry.. we apologize for that... but we have to move ahead... we can't hold the future of 1.5 Billion people hostage to some incidents on the Line of Control or what some Indian TV anchors try to sell... Just think... 1.5 Billion people means 20% of humanity... what will either country gain with hate... my Dada used to live in Model Town in Lahore until his Class IV.. in 1947 his family lost everything... all their lands, gold and so on... one of his cousins was killed... but he never hated Pakistani people... I don't hate Pakistani people either... Yes there are major differences in our national identity... and that I think is the main source of tension... Pakistan sees itself as the homeland for the Muslims of British India... India sees itself as based on the nationhood ideals of Nehru, etc... an Islamic state vs. a secular state... that tension will always remain... that is the source of the Kashmir conflict too... but let's think fresh... think new... in your hearts you know that neither country will either gain or lose anything militarily in Kashmir now... so let's demilitarize... let's make the Indian subcontinent a free trade zone... and eventually when the militant groups are controlled let's make it like the EU with free travel like we have now between India, Nepal and Bhutan... Some Pakistanis will say this is against the Two Nation Theory and Ideology of Pakistan etc... I hope those mindsets can change... and maybe one day I'll be able to visit Lahore with my Dada ji too... I hope the preachers of hate on both sides give it a rest...
Mr President! How about dismantling your consulates in Afghanistan and supporting various groups like BLA,TTP etc. I know it is hard to stomach but you people should also start looking at your track record with regards to your daling with neighbours.
@Shahid: . You stated Like wise, Pranab, Like wise; Hindu-stan should also open eyes and not take Pakistan for granted. Things can become very sour and painful for Hindu-stan if their interference does not stop and behavior does not change soon. . India has nothing to gain from harming or even conquering Pakistan. The question to ask is What will India gain by such an action? . There is nothing that Pakistan has which will benefit India. The "much hyped" trade corridor to Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics is not worth the paper it would be written on. . The Total Trade of the C A Rebublics - Excluding Kazakhstan is about under US$ 60 Billion and that of Afghanistan is about US$ 12 Billion. . As such Pakistan's much hyped claim of being a "Trade Corridor" for the C A Republics is nothing much to talk about. . Pakistan's refusal to provide India a Transit for Goods to and from Afghanistan will be overcome by India at the Improvement of the Port of CHAHBAHAR which has been catering to International Imports since the Early Eighties. . Thus Pakistan in General and Pakistanis in Particular have GOT NOTHING TO FEAR FROM INDIA! . Cheers
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: We must have love for all and hatred for none....we are not living in the stone ages we need to live in peace with the rest of the planet and stop exporting terror to both the west and also India The following is a must read. http://www.ahmadiyyatimes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/muslims-removehate-or-pakistan-will.html?m=1
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui:
Is this called "living" what Pakistanis have been enduring with no end in sight?
Get out of your well and see life is colorful.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: have you ever stepped outside of Pakistan no country in the planet wants to grant Pakistanis a visa because of the threat of extremism and terrorism. Every plot including London tube bombings, Madrid bombings have had some direct connection to Pakistan. Have you seen how the middle eastern brothers treat Pakistanis?.....try going to Saudi and expressing yourself as a Pakistani and see the respect you get! Our neighbours most notably china and India are economic superpowers while we are struggling......we are seen as a menace to the rest of the world because we allow the pulpit to be used for expressing extremism and violence. Other countries don't deal with us because they want to they deal with us because they have too. It's like having a rodent problem in your basement......you have to do something or it will spiral out of control... PLEASE BROTHER WAKE UP
Price of Bharti Friend ship is Love, Tolerance, No Back Stabbing, Sincerety, Honesty and Sticking to Agreements! No 65 & Kargill, no 26/11, etc
@ParvezM: . You stated : What is the price of Bharti friendship? . A Guarantee that Pakinstani Non-State Actors will not carry out any further Terrorist Attacks in India. . Is that too much to ask? . Cheers
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui:
All these 65 years you defined your identity as "san India", based on your national indention you might be surprised how much you need India!
@Shahid: lol....threatening us??? u r in no position to do that sir!!! :)
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: "Pakistan is living in the world for the last 65 years without the friendship of India and will continue to live with other nations of the world." Name a couple! Now, don't go to OIC roster; they are duty-bound to "look like" as your "friends" although they are trying hard to avoid you. Examples: Saudi, Afghanistan, Egypt, Syria etc. etc.
What a stupid statement. India is truly a drama queen and that too from a cheap Bollywood flick. You created the tension on LoC and now you are 'extending' that hand as if doing any favors. Please keep that hand in your pocket.
The best course of action for India is complete disengagement with Pakistan. Just look at it as a nuisance on the border.
One hand for friendship and other for stabbing, our 'noble' neighbors!
@ParvezM: What is the price of Bharti friendship? An open arm without any duplicity. You cant not harbor snakes in your backyard thinking they will harm the neighbors only.
@Shahid:
Pakistan should also open eyes and not take India for granted. Things can become very sour and painful for Pakistan if their interference does not stop and behavior does not change soon.
Some authorities / agencies or groups of both countries do not want friendship. They are creating problems and unstable eachother.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: Just read the past 65 years of history again.You were the front state of US. Look at the present situation of Pakistan.You are now at the mercy of IMF. Decide what you want to give to your future generation.
@ParvezM: Give free trade access to them. Let indian products take over local industry. Open roads for them so they can do" infra structure building" in Afghanistan. Forget about Kashmir, Siachin and East Pakistan etc.
@ Indian president. So If your soldiers kill Pak troops , its OK with you?. But if you get a "tit for tat" reply, you get angry? Are you annoyed by killing of your soldiers or by their beheading? In either case, its will be wise to start the charity at home and look at henious crimes and mass graves dig by your soldiers in Kashmir.
Who wants to befriend someone that says that the relationship should not be taken for granted?
Ha ha ha ha, We fooled them again!
Its ironical that Pakistanis are complaining about double standards
Pakistan has seen Indian friendship such as invasion of East Pakistan, continued occupation of Kashmir, and fomenting separatism in Baluchistan and Sindh, to name a few examples. I am so sick of Indian hypocracy: they kill our soldiers on the LOC and then talk about friendship. Some friendship! If India really wants to demonstrate friendship, then it should end its occuapation of Kashmir before Pakistan can even think of trusting Indian pleas. Pakistan shouldn't even bother responding to this remark by the Indian president, its a waste of time and insult to the martyrs of Pakistan.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui, Pakistan is living in the world for the last 65 years without the friendship of India and will continue to live with other nations of the world. No, not anymore, as you have made life difficult for even those "other nations" as well. The world is not ready to tolerate Pakistan's "life style" anymore.
We can be very good friend, but Pakistan needs to leave the terrorism.
@ahmed our neighbors are confused i guess No, in fact, we are incensed at the lack of a decent human compassion on your part.
@Siddiqui.. You got it wrong buddy...Staying with other nations does not mean that you are going to s change the international boundary. That's what Mr President meant. By the way he did not extend his friendship(double standard as per you).. Its a warning. And you know what it means. Now don't come back and say we are a nuclear powered nation n blah blah. You know who is the owner of your nuclear war heads..
Poor India:-( Short term memory loss, get well soon LOL
What is the price of Bharti friendship?
Like wise, Pranab, Like wise; Hindu-stan should also open eyes and not take Pakistan for granted. Things can become very sour and painful for Hindu-stan if their interference does not stop and behavior does not change soon.
Well the damage of inciting hatred against Pakistan by Indian media has already been inflicted. I wish Indian politicians had woken up to the need for peace sooner.
our neighbors are confused i guess
Please keep your double standard friendship with you.
Pakistan is living in the world for the last 65 years without the friendship of India and will continue to live with other nations of the world.
Rather than looking for friendship ... we should look for peaceful co-existence..
For that.. pakistan should dismantle all terrorist networks on her land.. for betterment of her own.