Home ›› World ›› South Asia
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said Pakistan should introspect and learn a lot of things from Bangladesh taking the country’s socio-economic development into account.
Singh came up with the suggestion at an event in Kolkata though he refrained from uttering the name of Pakistan. However, his remarks were clearly directed at India’s western neighbour, reports Indian English daily The Hindu.
“One of our neighbouring countries is struggling with religious fanaticism, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. The country itself is struggling with poverty, unemployment and terrorism and sometimes it tries to harass India also. That country needs to introspect and learn a lot from Bangladesh,” he said.
ALSO READ - After Sri Lanka, Pakistan economy in 'danger zone'
The defence minister said India as a neighbour was very happy that Bangladesh was moving fast on the path of development.
He said Bangladesh had shunned religious fanaticism and taken the path to modernisation, moderation and secularism.
“The kind of socio-economic development ushered in by Bangladesh is an example for several countries in the world.”
Pointing out that Bangladesh had created an identity for itself in the region, Singh hoped that Bangladesh would reach greater heights in the future.
“India has stood by Bangladesh in sectors like health, education, economy, connectivity and security and will continue to do so in the future,” he added.
Rajnath Singh was in Kolkata to attend the launch of ‘Dunagiri’, a Project 17A frigate at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited.
“If India is increasing its strength it is not only for itself but also for its friends,” the defence minister said, adding that India wanted friendly ties with all its neighbours.
