MEA Responds to Pakistan's 'Downgrading' of Bilateral Ties With India Over Article 370 Row, Says Move 'Not Surprising'
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry said Pakistan continues to foster negative sentiments in J&K, as it lays the ideological grounds to boost cross-border terrorism. India being a sovereign nation would not be affected by other countries' attempts to interfere in its internal matter, the MEA added.
New Delhi, August 8: The Ministry of External Affairs has responded to Pakistan's decision to "downgrade" bilateral ties with India, to mark its dissent over the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir. The move by Islamabad, said MEA, was expected as it has always opposed positive developments in the Valley.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry said Pakistan continues to foster negative sentiments in J&K, as it lays the ideological grounds to boost cross-border terrorism. India being a sovereign nation would not be affected by other countries' attempts to interfere in its internal matter, the MEA added. PM Narendra Modi to Address Nation Today on Jammu and Kashmir Situation, Article 370 Abrogation
New Delhi's reaction came a day after news agency Reuters reported that the Pakistani government has decided to downgrade the bilateral ties with India. A statement was issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office claiming that it has decided to expel Indian envoy Ajay Bisaria.
"Pursuant to the decision of the National Security Committee today, Government of India has been told to withdraw its High Commissioner to Pakistan. The Indian Government has also been informed that Pakistan won’t be sending its High Commissioner-designate to India," said the statement issued by Islamabad.
Here's How MEA Responded:
"The recent developments pertaining to Article 370 are entirely the internal affair of India. The Constitution of India was, is and will always be a sovereign matter. Seeking to interfere in that jurisdiction by invoking an alarmist vision of the region will never succeed," the Ministry said.
"The recent developments pertaining to Article 370 are entirely the internal affair of India. The Constitution of India was, is and will always be a sovereign matter. Seeking to interfere in that jurisdiction by invoking an alarmist vision of the region will never succeed," the MEA added.
"The Government of India regrets the steps announced by Pakistan yesterday and would urge that country to review them so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved," it further said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2019 12:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).