India has said it desires “normal” neighbourly relations with all countries, including Pakistan, and demanded that the onus is on Islamabad to create a “conducive atmosphere”. Pakistan, on the other hand, has already clarified that no talks are possible without restoring Indian-occupied Kashmir’s status.
Since the time India revoked article 370, the relation between the countries have been tense. The article—abrogated by India— allowed the state a certain amount of autonomy – its own constitution, a separate flag and freedom to make laws. Foreign affairs, defence and communications remained the preserve of the central government.
As a result, Jammu and Kashmir could make its own rules relating to permanent residency, ownership of property and fundamental rights. It could also bar Indians from outside the state from purchasing property or settling there.
The remarks by Counsellor in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, R Madhu Sudan came at the UN General Assembly meeting on Report of the Security Council for 2020′ on Friday.
“India desires normal neighbourly relations with all countries, including Pakistan. Our consistent position is that issues, if any, between India and Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally and peacefully, in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence,” Sudan said in the General Assembly.
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“The onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere, including by taking credible, verifiable action to not allow any territory under its control to be used for cross-border terrorism against India in any manner, he added.
No talks with until India reverses its decision
Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Tuesday that Pakistan would not hold talks with India until New Delhi reverses its decision of scrapping the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
India abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 on August 5, 2019 and bifurcated it into two Union territories.
“Unless India retreats from the steps taken on August 5, the Pakistani government will not talk to India at all,” Khan said while responding to questions from the public during a live broadcast session.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that no talks presently were taking place with India but parleys could be held if New Delhi revisited its policy regarding Kashmir and provided relief to the people of Kashmir.
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“Jammu and Kashmir cannot be an internal issue of India as it is on the agenda of the UN and there are several Security Council resolutions on it, he said while addressing a news conference in Islamabad.