NEW DELHI, Jan 26: Sponsorship of terrorism through non-state actors is a matter of deep concern, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said on Friday, making it clear to Pakistan that India is ready to offer a hand of friendship, but that should not be taken for granted.

In his address to the nation on the eve of the country’s 64th Republic Day, which was celebrated with fanfare on Saturday, he said in the recent past, serious atrocities on the Line of Control on Indian troops have been seen, an apparent reference to the alleged beheading of an Indian soldier by Pakistan Army.

“Neighbours may have disagreements; tension can be a subtext of frontiers. But sponsorship of terrorism through non-state actors is a matter of deep concern to the entire nation,” he said.

Mr Mukherjee said India believed in peace on the border and was always ready to offer a hand in the hope of friendship. “But this hand should not be taken for granted”.