On Indo-Australia Relations
"As to whether they were severely dented following the nuclear blasts is a subjective choice of phrase. Thatthey were dented, yes, certainly. But we had occasions subsequently to engage with various countries, includingAustralia, to sit with them and to explain to them the extremely complex security situation thatIndia has and lives in, necessitating a certain degree of preparedness"
On US Missile Defence Plan
"We felt the first recognition - formal recognition of the end of the cold war - it's come 10 yearstoo late. It's a recognition that the globe must move away from confrontation to consultation and cooperation. We welcomethat."
Advertisement
"There is a suggestion - it's not just national missile defence or ballistic missiledefence. There are four elements to it. There is non-proliferation. There is counter-proliferation. There is ballistic missiledefence. And finally, there is deep strategic cuts. Of all these, our views aresimilar"
Pakistan: Enemy Number 1?
"Of course not. We've never regarded Pakistan as such. That's your classification. We wishPakistan well.
The prime minister of India on his historic visit to Lahore went to Pakistan and said almost exactly the same.After all, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, are born of the same womb. It is true thatPakistan pursues a policy of compulsive hostility to India, but we have always believed in dialogueprocess."
Advertisement
Kashmir Conflict:
"It's not a conflict over Jammu and Kashmir. It's not a territorial dispute. We donot believe in denominational nationalism. We believe in civic nationalism. Pakistan believes otherwise".
On Why India Rejects Plebiscite in Kashmir:
"We deal directly with our citizens. The government has been dealing with them for years". i
