India committed to build friendly ties with Pakistan: Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding heightened tensions over the LoC killings of Indian soldiers, President Pranab Mukherjee today said India is committed to building friendly and cooperative relations with Pakistan that leads to peace in the region.

Mukherjee's affirmation came in a message to his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari on the occasion of their Independence Day tomorrow.

"On the occasion of the Independence Day of Pakistan, I have the pleasure of conveying, on behalf of the Government and the people of India, our felicitations to the Government and the people of Pakistan," he said.

"I take this opportunity to reiterate India's commitment to building a friendly and cooperative relationship with Pakistan that leads to peace in our region and progress and prosperity of our peoples," he said.

Indo-Pak ties hit a new low in the wake of killing of five Indian soldiers by heavily armed men led by Pakistan Army along the Line of Control in Poonch sector on August six. Since then, there have been a series of ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.