Panaji: Union Defence Minister George Fernandes today (November 3) said that India has been persevering for peaceful and good neighbourly relations with Pakistan.

"We have been persevering for a long time for peaceful and good neighbourly relations with Pakistan," he said.

Fernandes was replying to questions during an informal interaction with reporters after the commissioning of an advanced offshore patrol vessel for the Coast Guard at Mormuga Port.

"It is a contradiction that Pakistan, a country which is the epicentre of terrorism, should be an ally to global war against terrorism," the Minister said.

"Pakistan is not a threat to India. For the simple reason that from any angle - economic, technology, industry, GDP (gross domestic product) - where does Pakistan stand," he asked and said, "India need not be afraid of Pakistan."

Fernandes said China was a great friend of India. After a number of steps that had been taken to improve our relations, trade with that country had touched $ 6 billion and the Sikkim issue has been "resolved" after the visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to China recently, he added.

To a query, Fernandes said various exercises for the acquisition of the aircraft carrier "Gorschkov" from Russia have been completed and some minor ones left to be completed were being worked out.

The first phase of the three-phased work on the Karwar-based "Seabird" project of the Indian Navy was expected to be completed next year, the Minister added.

PTI