India downplays reference to Kashmir in US-Pak statement

New Delhi: India on Friday sought to downplay the reference to Kashmir in a US-Pakistan joint statement, affirmed its commitment to resolve issues with Pakistan bilaterally and welcomed the focus on terror networks in the statement. Asserting that the statement devotes considerable space to the issue of terrorism, India sought to emphasise that it was for the first time that the dreaded LeT and the Haqqani network are specifically mentioned in it. New Delhi also referred to the assurances furnished by Pakistan and “hope(d) that they (Pakistan) deliver on these commitments”.

When asked about India’s reaction on the US-Pakistan joint statement issued after a meeting between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif which talked about resolution of the Kashmir issue through peaceful means, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said, “Let me make it clear that India has always desired resolution of all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally through dialogue and peaceful means. ... It is Pakistan which has chosen terrorism as the instrument of state policy. We hope that this visit (Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's visit to the US) conveys a clear message to Pakistan that the international community is deeply concerned about its support and sponsorship of terrorists.”

The US-Pakistan joint statement which was issued on Thursday during Mr. Sharif’s visit to Washington was quoted by news agencies, as stating, “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.”

It further stated, “The leaders emphasised 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 MEA spokesperson said, “It is for the first time that the LeT and Haqqani network are specifically mentioned in the US-Pak joint statement.”

In this regard, he also referred to the India-US joint statement last year when the two sides agreed to joint and concerted efforts to disrupt entities such as LeT, Jaish-e -Mohammed, D company and the Haqqani network.