BeijingA day after China proposed to play a constructive role in resolving the dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan, New Delhi rejected the mediation offer.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said the Kashmir issue would be resolved by India only under a bilateral framework with Pakistan, denying the possibility of a third partys role in the matter.
MEA spokesperson Gopal Bagley, while addressing reporters here on Thursday, said the cross-border terrorism perpetrated by Pakistan is the primary reason why the Kashmir issue could not be resolved by the two neighbours. Heart of matter is cross border terrorism perpetrated on India including on J&K, he said.
As far as the intervention offer coming from any third party, India has reiterated its stance very clearly All issues to be discussed with Pakistan, including Kashmir, would be done under a bilateral framework, Bagley added.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Wednesday, proposed to mediate the controversy between India and Pakistan, opining that the escalating dispute between the two nations is detrimental to the interests of other South Asian neighbours. Referring to the turbulent border situation prevailing at the LoC separating India and Pakistan, China said, This will not only harm the peace and stability of the two countries but also the peace and tranquillity of the region.
We hope the relevant sides can do more things that are conducive for peace and stability in the region and avoiding escalating the tensions and China is willing to play constructive role in improving relations between India and Pakistan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang was quoted as saying by PTI.
The remarks of China came amid the ongoing stand-off between Indian and Chinese forces at Sikkim border. The controversy erupted in mid-June, after the Indian forces prevented the road construction party of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army from entering Doklam, lying at the tri-juncture of India-Bhutan-China.
In the past week, Chinas state run tabloid Global Times warned India of Beijings interference in Jammu & Kashmir. The article, penned by top Chinese expert Long Xingchun, said Indias interference in Doklam provides a third country to intervene in Kashmir, if desired by Pakistan. If the Pakistani government requests, a third countrys army can enter the area disputed by India and Pakistan, including India-controlled Kashmir, the article stated.
The stand-off at Sikkim border now runs into the fourth week, with both sides yet to indicate signs of reconcilement. Commenting on the issue, MEA today said the diplomatic channels with Beijing could be used to discuss the matter. PM Modi and Chinese President had a discussed a range of issues during their brief interaction at Hamburg. The diplomatic channels remain available to both the sides, Bagley said.
Centre also called a meeting on Friday with leaders of all Opposition parties, to discuss the stand-off at Sikkim border, along with the volatile situation in Kashmir Valley. Prime Minister Modis Cabinet colleagues Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj would brief the Opposition leaders on both the issues.
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