India rejects Donald Trump's offer to help resolve Kashmir issue
Turning down United States President Donald Trump’s proposal to help in settling the Kashmir issue, India restated on Thursday that there is not role for any third party in the issue. The Indian government stated that responsibility remains on Pakistan to fabricate favourable conditions so that the talks between the two nations could happen.
The US President Donald Trump on Wednesday re-ran his offer to help sort out the conflict between the two nations over the Kashmir issue and stated that the US was watching the developments very closely.
Speaking to the media, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar stated that India’s stance on the Kashmir issue and the mediation extended by any third party has been steady.
"Our position on the Kashmir issue and third-party mediation has been very clear and consistent. Let me reiterate that there is no role for any third party in this matter," Raveesh Kumar said.
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Raveesh Kumar, MEA on US President Donald Trump raising Kashmir issue again: Our position on the Kashmir issue and third party mediation has been very clear and consistent. Let me reiterate that there is no role for any third party in this matter. pic.twitter.com/cW8bQBFgkU
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2020
"If there are any bilateral issues between India and Pakistan that needs to be discussed, it should be done between the two countries under provisions of the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. But the onus is on Pakistan to create such conducive conditions - free from terror, hostility and violence,” Raveesh Kumar added.
Pakistan’s Imran Khan had also urged the international bodies, including the United Nations (UN) and the United States, to help reduce the intensity of the tensions with India, saying they must act to prevent the two nations from reaching a point of no return.
Replying to Imran Khan's remarks, Raveesh Kumar said there was "nothing new" about Imran Khan's statement.
"[There is] nothing new on Pak prime minister's tone and statement. His statement is factually incorrect. I think that his statement shows his frustration. Pakistan needs to understand that doublespeak and playing the victim card is not going to help him," Raveesh Kumar said.
"When will Pakistan take action on terror groups. He should focus on his country's internal matters," the MEA spokesperson added.
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First published: 23 January 2020, 17:15 IST