Abdul Basit's remarks interference in our internal affairs: India

Basit, expressing the hope for improved relations with India, said, "The core issue of J&K between India and Pakistan must be resolved according to the aspirations of the people of Kashmir."

New Delhi, March 23: Following Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit's remarks that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir must be resolved according to the aspirations of the Kashmiris, India on Thursday said that the envoy's actions are tantamount to interference in our internal affairs.

"We have seen media reports about Pakistan High Commissioner's remarks today regarding the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in a statement.

"They are not in keeping with diplomatic niceties and are tantamount to interference in our internal affairs," he said.

At a Pakistan Day event in New Delhi on Tuesday, Basit, expressing the hope for improved relations with India, said, "The core issue of Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan must be resolved according to the aspirations of the people of Kashmir."

Referring to Pakistan-India relations, he said that Pakistan was keen to settle all the issues with India, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through dialogue.

In his statement, Baglay said: "Pakistan would be well-advised to effectively address the challenge of terrorism emanating from that country, which has adversely affected peace and stability in the entire neighbourhood as well as Pakistan's relations with other countries."

IANS