NEW DELHI-
Indian Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi is likely to tell his Pakistani counterpart Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to refrain from “internationalising” Kashmir issue, if they happen to meet at the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Kathmandu later this week, a report published in The Economic Times said.
No formal meeting of the both PMs has yet been scheduled; however, given the format of the summit Modi is likely to meet Nawaz during the lunch, retreat and closing ceremonies of the summit on Wednesday and Thursday.
The report also stated that if a formal dialogue takes place between Modi and Nawaz, the Indian Premier is likely to highlight Kashmir issue in retrospect to the Huriyat-Islamabad links, growing tension along Line of Control (LOC), cross border terror and the efforts of Pakistan to internationalise Kashmir issue through United Nations(UN).
In the backdrop of the upcoming elections in Indian-held Kashmir Modi is likely to do “some tough talking”.
Indian government is furious over the efforts of Pakistan to lift Kashmir issue on international forums, the reported maintained.
Pakistani government holds the stance to resolve Kashmir issue through UN’s resolutions as Pakistani PM, recently, reiterated that Kashmir issue should be resolved through dialogue in compliance with the UN Security Council’s resolutions, condemning the human rights violations in the region.
“Both countries need confidence-building measures and the international community’s influence and persuasion were required to bring India to the negotiating table,” Nawaz had said.
On the other hand, the position of India has always been to resolve the issue through bilateral talks.
The report held that Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) Chief Lt General Rizwan Akhtar met Sharif and briefed him about matters relating to national security.
Modi will leave for Kathmandu on Tuesday along with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Sing.
