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Amidst angst in Pakistan over the snub to their players in connection with the third edition of the Indian Premier League, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has said India wants a cordial relationship with Pakistan just like with any other country.
Reiterating that the government had no influence over the money-spinning IPL, Krishna said India was keen to normalise ties with Pakistan.
"We would like people-to-people exchanges, exchanges at the level of sportsmen, tourism to continue. It has been Indian government's desire to normalise relationship with Pakistan just like any other country," said Krishna.
Krishna also added that Pakistan has nothing to fear from India.
"Our position is well known that Pakistan has nothing to be fearful about India. We don't have any grand designs. We would like our relationship with Pakistan to be on an even keel and we are working towards that," he said.
Ties between India and Pakistan have been strained since India suspended the composite dialogue with Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.