New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) Stating that India was not getting co-operation from Pakistan and China in border areas, Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir today pointed out that there was an urgent need to introduce modern technologies in securing the country’s borders which were geographically diverse in nature. Addressing a seminar organised by FICCI on Border Management and Illicit Trade here, he said both China and Pakistan would not let India utilise its resources until the country takes vital steps to safeguard the international borders with them. Referring to Ladakh region, he said there was a huge reservoir of minerals but due to non-co-operation from these two countries, India had been unable to use those. When asked about his reaction on the surgical strike across LoC, he said “the world has seen what is the difference between those talking too much and those talking less on the intervening night of September 28 and 29.” Mr Ahir said safe borders were critical to a nation and co-operative and collaborative measures are required as an anti-smuggling initiative. He also said the government was standing with all to curb the menace of smuggling and illicit trade. He also pointed out that mutual cooperation among forces manning borders was key tool and the forces were doing good job in this regard. The Minister said there was a need to further strengthen the cooperation among forces. DG BSF K K Sharma said BSF was fully committed to safely managing borders. He also congratulated FICCI for their initiative taken against smuggling and illicit trading. Mr Sharma reiterated the firm resolve of the nation’s first wall of defence to not only guard the borders but also contribute to nation building by being vigilant partner in regulating border trade. During the seminar, a report on the need of policy reforms to combat illicit trade was also released. Mr Ahir said the existence and operation of illicit markets such as smuggling has been an enduring problem that has escalated in scope and magnitude, impacting industries, government, economies and, the health and safety of the consumers. This seminar, attended by over 150 BSF officers from across the country, addressed ways and means to combat illegal cross-border flows, facilitate cooperation and coordination among stakeholders and aimed at sensitising the officers on the magnitude of the menace. Dr A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI said illicit trade and smuggling of products impact India’s economy and industries as it caused loss of Rs 40,000 crore yearly to the government. UNI XC AE SB 1745