New Delhi, Sep 7 (IANS): Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday underlined the need for the creation of joint mechanisms between India and its neighbours to tackle drug trafficking and infiltrations.

Delivering the keynote address on day two of FICCI-India Foundation convention on 'Homeland Security-2016: Smart Borders Management' here, Rijiju said India's security apparatus can be "strengthened only by promoting trade and commerce on both sides of the border".

Development and security go hand in hand, he said, adding that although India had fenced its borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, drug trafficking and illegal crossings were nevertheless occurring.

Lauding the armed forces that were actively engaged in securing the land borders and coastlines of the country, he said there was a need to recognise their efforts so as to further encourage them to carry out their duties in a robust manner.

During the two-day event inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra, a number of panchayat leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh also spoke and shared their views on security and welfare measures along the border areas.

At the valedictory session, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi expressed concerned over Pak-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.