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India conveys to Xi Jinping concern on Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi

Thursday, July 09, 2015, Ufa, Russian Federation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is today understood to have raised the issue of China’s support to Pakistan on Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-rehman Lakhvi and Chinese constructions in PoK during his meeting with President Xi Jining here on the margins of the seventh BRICS Summit. India rejected the “weak evidence” theory propounded by Beijing in this regard.

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The two leaders, who had last met in China in May this year, also discussed border issues too.

In their 85-minute-long meeting in Ufa, Prime Minister Modi reportedly said that Lakhvi’s release is “unacceptable”. “It was discussed in some detail and we expect those discussions to continue between the two governments”, said Jaishankar. Elaborating on Modi’s comments, Jaishankar said, “the Prime Minister made our concerns known very clearly”.

“I am sure the Chinese side was impressed by the clarity and directness with which he communicated our concerns”.

Asked what would be the format of the discussions, he said officials would take it up from where the leaders had left.

“There is no particular mechanism”. The MEA can discuss with the Embassy. “There are a range of mechanisms”, he added.

Last month, China had blocked India’s move in the United Nations for action against Pakistan for the release from jail of Lakhvi in April this year. The whole world knows what was the role of Lakhvi (in 26/11 attacks). After the meeting, Jaishankar said, “There is a sense of new energy and enthusiasm in ties”.

“Great meeting President Xi Jinping again”.

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Jaishankar said the two leaders recalled their last two meetings – one during Xi’s India visit and Modi’s China visit – and memories regarding those. In September 2014 Xi had visited India while Modi made a trip to China earlier this year in May.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Chinese President Xi Jinping prior to a meeting in Ufa on Wednesday. They are in the Russian town for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit beginning on Thursday