Hand of friendship towards Pakistan not to be taken for granted: Indian President

NEW DELHI: India's president told Pakistan on Friday that its hand of friendship should "not be taken for granted" following a string of deadly border clashes between the two sides along the Line of Control (LoC).

President Pranab Mukherjee's warning comes amid a ceasefire which took hold last week after the Indian and Pakistani armies agreed to halt cross-border firing that has threatened to unravel a fragile peace process.

"We believe in peace on the border and are always ready to offer a hand in the hope of friendship," Mukherjee said in a televised address on the eve of the country's Republic Day celebrations.

"But this hand should not be taken for granted," he added.

Before the ceasefire, Pakistan said three of its soldiers had been killed in firing by Indian troops along the LoC. India, in turn, accused Pakistani troops of killing two of its soldiers.

Pakistan has denied any responsibility for the violence. (AFP)