New Delhi, July 13
India said on Thursday that it was still committed to solving unresolved issues with Pakistan — Kashmir included — bilaterally, a day after China offered its services to mediate the dispute.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said at his weekly press briefing that India's position on addressing all unresolved issues with Pakistan, including Kashmir, “in a bilateral framework” had not changed, the spokesperson said, adding the prime issue between the two countries was cross-border terrorism.
“Our stand is absolutely clear. You are aware that the heart of the matter is cross-border terrorism emanating from a particular country that threatens peace and stability in the country, region, and the world. We are ready to have a dialogue with Pakistan on Kashmir under a bilateral framework,” Baglay said.
On the standoff between the armies of India and China in the Dokalam area, he said diplomatic channels would continue to be used for a resolution.
He was reacting to the Chinese Foreign Office spokesperson on Wednesday saying that China was ready to play a “constructive role” in improving India-Pakistan ties over Kashmir, where the “situation has attracted the attention of the international community”.
“We are ready to talk Kashmir with Pakistan, but no third party mediation,” Baglay said. PTI/ IANS
