Saturday, March 19 2005 22:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Alwar: External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh today (March 19, 2005) said relationship between India and Pakistan has substantially improved during the recent days and there was also reduction in terrorist activities from across the border.

He told reporters he hoped the relationship between India and Pakistan would further improve following the starting of bus service from Srinagar to Muzaffarabad and rail service between Munnabao and Khokhrapar.

Singh who had come here to attend a religious function said though there was reduction in terrorist activities from across the border terrorist camps in some places in Pakistan were still functioning.

He said the enthusiasm shown by the people of both countries towards the Indo-Pak cricket series has established the fact that they want peace and more opportunities to meet each other and interact.

Singh said the visit of the Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to watch the Indo-Pak matches on an invitation from India itself showed there was definite inclination among the people of both countries to live peacefully and strengthen friendship.

Referring to the situation in Nepal, he said India demands immediate restoration of democracy in Nepal and also supported US view point on the issue.

On the denial of visa by US to the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said the Centre has expressed its strong resentment to US and urged the country to reconsider the decision.

On the Baglihar issue with Pakistan, Singh said India has more rights on the dam and hoped it would be amicably solved.