India expressed its intention of discussing the issue of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan during future bilateral talks, reports The Economic Times of India.
Responding to comments made by the Pakistani government on the need for dialogue on Kashmir in discussions, the Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson made clear that the issues of Jammu and Kashmir were included in the bi-lateral discussions framework of the Simla pact and Lahore Declaration.
"As regards engagement with Pakistan, we have made it very clear that we will engage in the framework of Simla agreement and Lahore Declaration and both these provide for discussing all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. Our view is very clear, a bilateral framework to discuss all outstanding issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir," said Syed Akbaruddin.
India however rejected Pakistan’s claims that Kashmir’s separatists were legitimate stakeholders, stating that the issue was to be resolved between India and Pakistan.
A meeting between Indian and Pakistani Foreign Secretaries in Islamabad was canceled by New Delhi this week after Pakistan's ambassador to India met with separatist leaders from Indian-controlled Kashmir.
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