The government has asserted that the striking Air India pilots should first report for duty and then come for talks. Taking a tough stand, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said the government is ready to talk on anything after the strike is called off. He reminded the pilots that Air India is running into losses and public money is being pumped in to revive the national carrier.

The minister said the process of revival is bound to see many problems and asked the airline employees to be patient. He said, pilots should firmly express their views but not cause inconvenience to the passengers and make Air India lose credibility.

Sunday is the sixth day of pilot stir. Air india spokesman told AIR that 14 International flights have been cancelled. The airline management has sacked 71 pilots so far.