Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said land routes and ports were not given due attention after Independence, despite having served in the ancient times as a medium of trade dominance for India and a bridge for foreign travellers coming to India to spread its influence globally.

Addressing an event organised here by the Land Ports Authority of India on its 10th foundation day, Shah said the LPAI, though set up only 10 years ago, has filled up the void of the last 75 years and proved its usefulness and relevance. Stating that the LPAI plays a vital role in boosting the economy without compromising security and also increasing business in the neighbouring countries, Shah said the authority creates strong and renewed ties between nations sharing borders through cultural exchanges and promoting dialogue between peoples who share similar ways of living, dialect and culture.

"It is the responsibility of LPAI to expand business by complying with rules and regulations, to create cultural exchanges faster, stronger and meaningful, which have been in existence for thousands of years, and to build stronger bonds with our neighbours outside the realm of politics and diplomacy," Shah said while underlining that India has a land boundary of 15,000 kms which also needs to be protected from the point of view of safety.

Shah added that while India must strengthen the tradition of setting up trade corridors, communication with security agencies and regular meetings were also important.

"Communication of LPAI with the central armed police forces and security agencies deployed on different borders is also very important...," Shah said. 

(With inputs from agencies)