WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — India has rejected comments by U.S. ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley suggesting the U.S. take a more proactive role in India-Pakistan relations, saying instead matters between the sub-continent neighbors should be worked out bilaterally.
“We are seeing tensions rise and conflicts start to bubble up and so we want to see if we can be a part of that,” Haley said.
“The government’s position for bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues in an environment free of terror and violence hasn’t changed,” the Indian government said.
India maintains that international mediation, should it take place, must focus on forcing Pakistan to act on combatting terrorism in the country and enforcing the rule of law in coordination with international norms. “We of course expect the international community and organizations to enforce international mechanisms and mandates concerning terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which continues to be the single biggest threat to peace and stability in our region and beyond,” said MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay.
Haley’s initial remarks prompted India’s response that a third party role in resolving relations between their side and Pakistan would not be accepted.
This isn’t the first occasion the topic of tensions between India and Pakistan has come up after the inauguration of a new U.S. president.
Former President Barack Obama named Richard Holbrooke as the point man of negotiations between India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the disputed Kashmir territory. Additionally, Bill Clinton had previously referred to Kashmir as one of the world’s most hostile and dangerous regions.