J&K development ‘clearly’ internal matter, MEA tells Pakistan

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 24

India dismissed comments by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that the nuclear deterrent will no longer be required if the Kashmir issue is resolved by stating that developments in Jammu & Kashmir are “clearly an internal matter for India”.

Asked at a media briefing whether back channel talks brokered by the UAE also included New Delhi making a gesture on Kashmir as well as closing down two Indian consulates in Afghanistan that were near the Pakistan border, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the closure of the consulates was not a “recent development”.

On bilateral ties with Pakistan, he said the Indian stand is well known.

“We desire normal ties with all nations, including Pakistan. Pakistan must work towards creating a conducive atmosphere by taking credible, verifiable and irreversible action of not allowing any territory under its control to be used for cross-border terrorism against India in any manner,” said Bagchi.

On Afghanistan, he said it is for the Afghan people to decide their partners, and the size of that partnership.

“India has brought electricity, dams, schools, health clinics, roads and community projects to Afghanistan. The world knows what Pakistan has brought to Afghanistan,” he observed.