India rejects China's mediation offer on Kashmir ; says third party help not needed

New Delhi: India on Thursday said that it doesn't want any third country's intervention in improving India-Pakistan relations over the Kashmir issue, adding that its stand on resolving issues through bilateral framework has not changed.

The remarks came in response to saying that it is ready to play a constructive role in improving ties between both the nation, which has been in conflict over the Kashmir issue.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokersperson Gopal Baglay clearly stated that the primary reason behind India and Pakistan conflict is the cross border terrorism emanating from "other side".

"Our stand is absolutely clear as far as I recall on the remarks, which motioned that Kashmir issue being central to peace and stability, all of us know that the heart of the matter is cross



border terrorism perpetrated on India, including Jammu and Kashmir," Baglay said.

"We are ready to have dialogue with Pakistan, among other issues, but in a bilateral framework. So the (India's) position of addressing all issues with Pakistan, including the Jammu and Kashmir issue, in a bilateral framework has not changed," he added.

Earlier, Beijing stated that the conflict between India and Pakistan is threatening peace and stability in the region.

"Both Pakistan and India are important countries in South Asia. The conflict between the two countries along the Line of Control in Kashmir is neither conducive to their own stability and development, nor regional peace and tranquility," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said during a press conference on Wednesday.