Thursday, September 22 2005 15:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Rangiya: Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today (Sept 22, 2005) said relation with China, Pakistan and Bangladesh was improving with a proposal finalized to start border trade from Nathula pass in Sikkim.

"This was a proposal mooted in 2003 but this year is has been okayed and we shall have border trade with China in Nathula very soon for which the infrastructure have to be built", Mukherjee told a press conference in Rangiya.

Describing the trade proposal as a 'welcome sign', the Defence Minister said similar trade with the border country of Bangladesh could also benefit the country including the North Eastern region.

In Moreh also similar activities could be taken up with bordering Myanmar and this would benefit the local people, he said.

Mukherjee singled out China with whom relations have improved and said the national security advisor would go to that country soon to resolve various issues.

The minister who had to cancel his trip to Bumla in Arunachal Pradesh bordering China due to bad weather said various confidence building measures are undertaken on the border to maintain peace and goodwill.

The minister said bilateral trade with China has also expanded to the extent of 13 billion US dollars annually which could go up to 20 billion dollars in a couple of years.

Among the confidence building measures, the troops of both sides exchange greetings on national days while joint sports activities and regular meetings between army commanders take place frequently.

Earlier addressing jawans at the headquarter of the 21 mountain division here the Defence minister said peace should be maintained on the border at any cost.

"We are aware of the problems of the troops in higher reaches and difficult areas but they have done a wonderful job and deserve commendation", he said.

Stressing the need to modernize the weaponry of the army, Mukherjee said henceforth defence purchases would be made transparent for which a plan has been worked out.

Maintaining that India wanted to have peaceful relation with the neighboring countries, he said however the any attempt to encroach on our territory would not be tolerated.