New Delhi, Jan 12: Asif Ali Zardari, the husband of former premier Benazir Bhutto, has said that Pakistan’s survival depended upon maintaining good relations with India.

“Therein lies the survival of Pakistan. India should play a bigger role and being the bigger power in the region, it carries a larger responsibility because any upheaval in Pakistan would directly affect India,” the Daily Times quoted Zardari as saying.

Placing the current turmoil in Pakistan in the historical context, he said, “We have been on the fault line of the world. With terrorism becoming the war of the future, time and people have managed to bring the war to our borders.”

Asked about his wish to emulate Sonia Gandhi, who heads India’s ruling coalition, Zardari said, “She was a much bigger figure than I could ever hope to be. She’s earned her spurs and has guided the largest democracy in the world. I am merely starting.” (ANI)