India wants to build on progress with Pak: Prez

Expressing commitment to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through dialogue, India on Monday said it looks forward to building upon progress made so

far while being mindful of the need for Pakistan to take credible action against terror groups and infrastructure.

Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget Session, President Pratibha Patil said the government has been pursuing a policy of promoting peace and cooperation in India's immediate neighbourhood and beyond to enable the country to achieve its goals of socio-economic development and national security.

"We wish to see all nations in South Asia prosper, enjoy stability and realise their true potential through the broadening of regional economic cooperation, trade and infrastructure development," she said.

Turning to Pakistan, she said, "We are committed to resolving all outstanding issues" with it. "We look forward to building upon the progress made so far mindful of the need for Pakistan to take credible action against terrorist groups and the related infrastructure on its soil."

Referring to China, she said India attaches high priority to the development of Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.

"The rapid growth of our trade and economic relations with China has significance not only for our bilateral relationship but for the global economy as a whole," she said.     

With regard to Bangladesh, the President said the Protocol on the Land Boundary Agreement with it paves the way for settlement of long-standing issues and a mutually-beneficial bilateral cooperation.

She also made a mention of steps initiated by her government for resettlement and rehabilitation of the internally-displaced persons of Sri Lanka.