New York, September 24: With United States President Donald Trump initiating mediation between India and Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Tuesday made it clear that if India wishes to talk, it will only be bilaterally with Pakistan. He also mentioned that India is not shying away from talks with Pakistan, but expects certain concrete steps to be taken by Pakistan before that. Donald Trump Expresses Confidence on PM Narendra Modi When Asked Over Imran Khan's Statement on Al-Qaeda and Terrorism, Says 'PM Modi Will Take Care of it'.

Addressing a press conference post the joint presser between US President Trump and Indian PM Narendra Modi, Gokhale said, "PM Modi made it clear that we are not shying away from talks with Pakistan, but we expect certain concrete steps to be taken by Pakistan before that, and we don't find any efforts by them."

Adding on he said, "Prime Minister put forward our perspective on the issue of terrorism, President Trump showed understanding, he also recognised and accepted that this is a challenge that both of us face together." Pakistan Committed One of the Biggest Blunders by Joining US After 9/11, Says Imran Khan.

On the issue of mediation talks by Trump, the Foreign Secretary said, "It was a meeting of about 30-45 minutes, we are quite satisfied with the meeting. We raised the challenges we face with regard to terrorism, especially in Jammu and Kashmir."

Earlier, Tuesday expressed his confidence on PM Narendra Modi mentioning that PM Modi is able to look after the issues of terrorism in the South Asian region. The statement arrived a day after Imran Khan asked Trump to mediate on the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2019 12:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).