India wants to normalise relations with Pakistan: Krishna

Bangalore, Jan 23 (ANI): Amidst angst in Pakistan over the snub to their players in connection with the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has said India wants a cordial relationship with Pakistan just like with any other country.

Reiterating that the government had no influence over the money-spinning IPL, Krishna said India was keen to normalize ties with Pakistan.

"We would like people-to-people exchanges, exchanges at the level of sportsmen, this to continue, tourism to continue. It has been India's government desire to normalize relationship with Pakistan just like any other country," Krishna told reporters here on Friday.

Krishna also added that Pakistan has nothing to be fear from India.

"Our position is well known that Pakistan has nothing to be fearful about India. We don't have any grand designs. We would like our relationship with Pakistan to be on even keel and we work towards that," he said.

Ties between India and Pakistan have been strained since India suspended a peace process with Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. (ANI)