KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
India has again downplayed the reference to Kashmir in a US-Pakistan joint statement, saying it is committed to resolve issues with Pakistan bilaterally.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup, Monday downplayed mention of Kashmir in the US-Pakistan joint statement, saying India has always desired resolution of all issues with Pakistan bilaterally through dialogue.
On Thursday, the US- Pakistan joint statement was issued during Sharif’s visit to Washington, which said, “The two leaders expressed concern over violence along the Line of Control, and noted their support for confidence- building measures and effective mechanisms that are acceptable to both parties”.
“The leaders emphasized the importance of a sustained and resilient dialogue process between the two neighbours aimed at resolving all outstanding territorial and other disputes, including Kashmir, through peaceful means and working together to address mutual concerns of India and Pakistan regarding terrorism,” the joint statement read.
Earlier this year, talks between Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval were cancelled after Pakistani high commissioner Abdul Basit invited Kashmiri separatists to a tea reception.
