'India pursuing composite dialogue with Pakistan'

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (R) gestures as he speaks with Chief Minister of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh Y.S Rajashekar Reddy during the final day of the 82nd Indian National Congress Party Plenary meeting at the Gatchibowli Stadium in Hyderabad yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

"We are pursuing a composite dialogue with Pakistan with the understanding that in South Asia we have not just shared a past, but a shared future and a shared destiny," he said addressing the 82nd Congress Plenary Session.

Singh said his government had taken important steps to make the world adopt a more friendly approach to India.

"We have been able to improve our relations with many of our neighbours, including China... The development and well-being of all our neighbours is in our interests," he said.

Manmohan said India had taken major initiatives to integrate its economy with that of East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia and West Asia.

"The countries to our east have once again embraced us and invited us into a new Asian Community. The Saudi Arabian King will visit us for the first time in fifty years this week. We have also improved our relations with all major powers, especially with the US, European Union, Russia and Japan. In the next few weeks, I will be receiving the Presidents of France and US," Singh added.

Accusing the BJP of creating "difficulties and unnecessary hurdles", Manmohan said that the UPA should stay in power long enough to make a visible impact.

"We have begun well. We have given an enviable start despite the difficulties and unnecessary hurdles raised by our opponents. The important thing is to keep to this course," he said while addressing the Congress plenary session.

He also offered some encouragement by saying that the country's farmers, workers, weavers, labourers, and minorities like dalits and tribals, have a very bright future.