Moscow, September 19: Frictions between India and Pakistan over the issue of Kashmir came to the fore in Russia, where the contingent sent by Islamabad exhibited diplomatic hostility towards their counterparts from New Delhi. At the Cultural Day Programme organised by the Pakistani side in Orenburg -- where a joint military drill of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) nations is underway -- contingent of all participating countries were invited except those from India.
The development was confirmed by the Indian Army officials who spoke to news agency ANI. The act by Pakistan is not only in violation of the existing diplomatic norms, but also in contravention with the rules adopted by the SCO nations. Pakistan Rejects India's Request, Will Not Allow Narendra Modi's US-Bound Plane to Fly Over its Airspace.
"In the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) exercise in Russia, today was the Cultural Day programme of Pakistan. In violation of existing diplomatic norms and in contravention of SCO norms, Indian contingent was not invited by them," said the statement issued by the Indian Army.
Update by ANI:
Indian Army: In the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) exercise in Russia, today was the Cultural Day programme of Pakistan. In violation of existing diplomatic norms and in contravention of SCO norms, Indian contingent was not invited by them. pic.twitter.com/E2S3HKdwIz
— ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2019
The hostile behaviour by Pakistan comes days after the Imran Khan government barred their officials from participating in an SCO military medicine conference underway in New Delhi. The event, held over two days on September 11-12, was skipped by the Pakistani representatives who attended only the dinner.
On Wednesday, Islamabad further deteriorated ties with New Delhi by turning down the request by India to allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plane to fly over its airspace.
Shortly before New Delhi's airspace request was turned down, Pakistan PM Imran Khan issued a statement, claiming that there is no chance of dialogue with the Indian government until the curfew in Kashmir is lifted.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2019 10:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).