Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju on Thursday welcomed Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani's call for both nations to demilitarise the world's highest battlefield at the Siachen glacier on their international border.

Demilitarisation of Siachen will save millions of valuable dollars and the money can be spent on development of the two countries. "I am glad that our neighbouring country Pakistan is also realising the challenges and the economic problems of maintaining troops on the Siachen Glacier," Minister of State for Defence M. M. Pallam Raju told reporters.

The deployment of troops in glacial heights takes a massive economic toll on Pakistan's economy and both the countries have their individual concerns.

New Delhi has termed the remarks as a "positive development" since they are made by none other than the Pakistan Army Chief, reflecting the readiness of the military to resolve the issues between the two countries.

All issues should be resolved and peaceful co-existence is very necessary for both countries. There is no doubt about that and it looks like the Siachen issue will be the first to be resolved amongst both the countries.