India rejects US offer to mediate with Pakistan

Posted on April 5, 2017

NEW DELHI: India has snubbed the comments by US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley suggesting a proactive role for America in India-Pakistan ties, saying the outstanding issues between the neighbours should be resolved bilaterally.

“The Indian government’s position for bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues in an environment free of terror and violence hasn’t changed,” the government official said.

“We of course expect the international community and organisations to enforce international mechanisms and mandates concerning terroris, which continues to be the single biggest threat to peace and stability in our region and beyond,” said MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay.

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In an interaction with reporters a day ago, Haley said President Donald Trump could play a role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

“It’s absolutely right that this administration is concerned about the relationship between India and Pakistan and very much wants to see how we de-escalate any sort of conflict going forward,” he said, signalling an apparent change in the US stance of not engaging in Indo-Pak disputes. Ms Haley said she expects that the administration is going to be in talks and try and “find its place to be a part of that (de-escalating tensions)”.

Interestingly, the early days of US administrations have often seen some friction on issues like India-Pakistan and Kashmir before things settle down, notes the Times of India.

The report said at the start of his first term, President Barack Obama named Richard Holbrooke as a pointsman for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kashmir before dropping the “K word”. Earlier, Bill Clinton called Kashmir one of the most dangerous places on earth before correcting the statement.

B4GEN

Wednesday, 5 April 2017