India wishes to have good relations with Pakistan: Defence Minister

BENGALURU: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar sent a clear message to Pakistan today that India wishes to have good relations with it. Parrikar said that he appreciates the calm at the India-Pakistan border, following intense ceasefire violations between the two neighbours last year.

On being asked about the calm at the Line of Control as compared to last year’s numerous ceasefire violations, Parrikar said: “It is the first time someone is asking me why there is calm at the border”.

He was speaking at the sidelines of Aero India-2017, which began here today.


“Keeping calm does not mean that we should not be prepared. I welcome Gen. Bajwa (Pakistan's Army chief) for making his forces understand the situation. We wish to have good relations with China and Pakistan.”

The minister also said, “everyone can prosper if they have good relations with their neighbours.”