NEW DELHI: Indian President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil today said that the new United Progressive Alliance-led government would work closely with Nepal to further the bilateral ties for mutual benefit.

She made this statement while addressing a joint sitting of Indian parliament.

“In Nepal and Bangladesh, where multi-party democracy has returned, India will work closely with both countries to continue expanding bilateral ties for mutual benefit,” the president said in her hour long speech.

Patil said her government would seek to reshape relations with Pakistan, depending on the sincerity of Islamabad’s actions to confront groups, who launch terrorist attacks against India from its territory.

“We will support initiatives in Sri Lanka, which can lead to a permanent political solution of the conflict there and ensure that all Sri Lankan communities, especially the Tamils, feel secure and enjoy equal rights so that they can lead a life of dignity and self-respect,” she added.

The government would strengthen New Delhi’s close and vibrant partnerships with Bhutan the and Maldives and continue to assist in the reconstruction of Afghanistan,

she said.

“We will take a step forward towards the transformation of our relations with the US, and further consolidate strategic partnership with Russia.

With countries in Europe and Japan, we will continue the sustained diplomatic efforts, which have produced qualitative changes in our relations since 2004.

The multi-faceted partnership with China will also be expanded,” she added.