Modi first PM to strongly raise border issue with China: Rajnath

Kolkata, May 26: Asserting the government's commitment to cordial relations with neighbours, union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India has taken strong stand on border issues with Pakistan and China, with Narendra Modi being first prime minister who "strongly raised the border issues with China".

"Our government's constant effort has been to maintain cordial relations with our neighbouring countries. But as regards border security, we have always taken a strong stand," Singh said at a press conference here on the Modi government completing one year in office.

"During his visit to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi categorically stated India's stand on all the outstanding issues concerning China. This is first time that an Indian prime minister has strongly raised the border issues with China," he said.

Singh also rubbished the Congress's charge that Modi's China visit was a "complete and utter failure".

"They will say whatever they want to, but the fact is, we have been taking a strong stand on border issues, be it China or Pakistan," he said.

Talking about Pakistan resorting to unprovoked firing on the border, Singh slammed the erstwhile Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government for taking a meek stand.

"Whenever Pakistan resorted to firing, the UPA regime failed to give a befitting reply and would waive white flags. But under this regime, our Border Security Force gave a telling reply which compelled Pakistan to seek the United Nation's intervention," he said.

IANS