Reacting to suggestions by United Nations Chief Antonio Guteress that he is engaged in bringing about a dialogue between India and Pakistan, New Delhi today affirmed that bilateral issues between the two neighbouring sides will have to be decided ‘bilaterally’.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Bagley told reporters that he was aware of the remarks made by Guteress that he has raised the issue during his meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.
"I have seen the reply which has been reported in the media. Essentially the secretary general asked a question in response to a question... Bilateral issues have to be decided bilaterally and the UN secretary general has been made aware of that position," Bagley said.
Addressing reporters at his first press conference at the world body's headquarters since assuming office in January, Guterres recently had said that he is engaged in bringing about a dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue.
"Why do you think I met three times the Prime Minister of Pakistan and two times the Prime Minister of India," Guterres said with a laughter, responding to a question on whether he is involved in the matter.
There are strains in relations between India and Pakistan over a number of issues including the cross-border terrorism, unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC and the death sentence given to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court on charges of spying.
