Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether Government is aware of anti-India sentiments prevailing in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka;

(b) if so, the details thereof, country-wise;

(c) the organizations/persons responsible for fanning anti-India sentiments in these countries; and

(d) the steps taken/ proposed to be taken by Government to strengthen the relations with these countries?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) India enjoys close, cordial and friendly relations with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar with whom it shares historic, civilisational and cultural links. India’s relations with these countries is based on equality, mutuality of benefit and respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

(c) & (d) India has maintained the tradition of regular high level exchange of visits and close people-to-people contacts with our neighbouring countries. Issues of mutual concern are regularly discussed with these countries in various institutional mechanisms. India is assisting neighbouring countries in their socio-economic development in the areas of infrastructure, health, education, power, information & technology, rural and community development. Initiatives have been undertaken to boost bilateral trade, investment and tourism profile with these countries.

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Miscellaneous

South Asia