New Delhi, December 17: India has reiterated its clear and consistent stand on Arunachal Pradesh that the state was its integral and inalienable part and His Holiness Dalai Lama was free to visit any part of the country, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna informed the Rajya Sabha today.
The Minister in written replies said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and himself had told their Chinese counterparts that in their meetings in October 2009 and had ‘frank and constructive’ exchange of views on all issues of interest.
Both sides agreed to strengthen political trust and understanding and to use existing mechanisms for bilateral cooperation and resolve all issues in the spirit of strategic and cooperative partnership.
Regarding the role of China in South Asia as mentioned in the statement of US President Barack Obama, the Minister said India had stated on November 18 that it was committed to resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan through peaceful, bilateral dialogue in accordance with the Shimla Agrement.
A third country role can’t be envisaged nor is it necessary. ”We also believe that the meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can take place only in an environment free from terror or threat of terror,” he said.
To a question on US Special Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, dealing with his country’s Af-Pak policy, the Minister said the proposed visit of the Ambassador was cancelled by the US side itself and denied that India had turned down his request to visit New Delhi recently.
–Agencies