K-issue bilateral, India on US mediation offer

New Delhi, January 22

Bolstered by a US Congressional report that says Pakistan has little credibility on Kashmir after sponsoring armed militancy for three decades, India has shown no enthusiasm for talks with Pakistan.

It has also responded to US President Donald Trump's suggestion to intervene on Kashmir by saying it is a bilateral issue that will have to be solved bilaterally.

In comments before meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Davos on Tuesday, Trump had said he was watching the developments between India and Pakistan over Kashmir “very closely” and reiterated his offer to mediate.

India maintains there can be no talks with Pakistan till it incubates anti-India jihadist terrorists on its soil. For any meaningful talks to take place, Islamabad must irrevocably turn off the tap of terrorism.

The Indian position has got a boost after the respected US Congressional Service released a report that has asked Pakistan to primarily rely on diplomacy since its ability to alter the status quo through military action had been reduced in recent years.

“Many analysts view Islamabad as having little credibility on Kashmir, given its long history of covertly supporting militant groups there. Pakistan's leadership has limited options to respond to India's actions, and renewed Pakistani support for Kashmiri militancy likely would be costly internationally,” said the report.

India has been compelled to invite the Pakistan PM for a meeting of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) it is scheduled to host later this year. — TNS

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