Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said India will ensure the smooth run of the relay of the Olympic torch in the country, the Press Trust of India reported Tuesday.

"As far as the Government of India is concerned, we are committed to providing complete security to the Olympic torch," Sharma was quoted as saying on Monday.

Sharma said the Indian government has given an assurance that it will take all measures to provide foolproof security.

"We are confident of ensuring the relay of the torch in India with respect and security," he said.

"Our officers and security agencies are capable of providing complete security to the Olympic torch," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2008)