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Talks with Pakistan only after terror ends: S. Jaishankar

Jaishankar’s letter is the latest in a series of notes he has exchanged with Pakistan foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address that invoked Balochistan, where Islamabad faces charges of human rights abuses.

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This development comes in the wake of India turning down Pakistan’s invitation to hold talks in Jammu and Kashmir, following which Islamabad briefed the ambassadors of the five United Nations permanent members and the envoy of the European Union on its exchange of letters with India.

Noting that the Pakistani diplomats have been briefing the world community about alleged plight of Kashmiris, he said the global community should play its role in the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The spokesman said that in view of delicate situation in the Valley, Pakistan has already extended an invitation to India for dialogue.

National Security Advisor Doval and Foreign Secretary Jaishankar have been working closely to craft a wider strategic response to the crisis in response to the impasse in relations with Pakistan, officials working with them told The Indian Express.

India’s Secretary for External Affairs S.J. Shankar wrote a letter to Islamabad, in which it was mentioned that “India would not hold dialogue with Pakistan over Kashmir issue”.

Pakistan has asked Afghanistan to restrain India from using its soil against Islamabad, Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday.

Pakistan’s description of Wani as a “Kashmiri leader” angered India as did its offer to send relief material to Indian administered Kashmir which has been under curfew for many days.

In his reply, Jaishankar also informed that India wants to the dialogue process with Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir to be result-oriented. They also appreciated Pakistan’s readiness for dialogue.

He added that given the imperatives of peace, stability and security in the region, continued close cooperation between Pakistan and the United States was very important to successfully fight terrorism and to attain the objectives shared by both countries. He said Pakistan meets the criteria required for membership of the Group.

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The Advisor said the oppressive measures by India couldn’t deter the valiant people of the Jammu and Kashmir from their just struggle for their right of self-determination.

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