NEW DELHI, July 31: India is closely monitoring all developments relating to Pakistani missile programme and has taken all necessary steps to safeguard its security in accordance with threat perceptions, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

India has taken note of the Pakistani missile programme and its impact on the region's security, the Prime Minister, I K Gujral said in a written reply to Ramdas Agarwal.

Replying to another question from S S Shinde and others, the Prime Minister said the government is aware that Pakistan maintains a military arsenal far in excess of its legitimate defence requirements. Russia has not supplied T-80 battle tanks or any other arms to Pakistan, Gujral told Dr Y Lakshmi Prasad.

In response to approaches made by India, as also on their own initiative, the Russian authorities have on several occasions given high-level categorical assurance that Russia was committed not to supply arms to Pakistan, he said adding this commitment has been adhered to by the Russian side, the Prime Minister said.

Replying to O P Kohli, the Prime Minister said, ``India seeks to establish a relationship of trust, friendship and cooperation with Pakistan.''

India is following a policy of encouraging people-to-people contacts and promoting greater interaction among scholars, intellectuals, journalists, writers, artistes, businessmen and others, he said.

The government also unilaterally eased the issuance of visas to Pakistani nationals, he said adding that while Pakistan in bilateral discussions has given firm indications that it is easing its visa regime for Indian nationals, India is not aware of any steps taken by Pakistan in this regard.

On Jammu and Kashmir, Minister of State for external Affairs, Kamala Sinha said that there is widespread recognition in the international community of India's position on Jammu and Kashmir.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.