Pakistan lying on Putin mediation: India

The remarks by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay came following reports in the Pakistani press that Russia expressed intention to mediate between the two countries. 

The Pakistani media quoted Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria as saying “we welcome UNSC Permanent Member Russia’s attention and intention to play a role in this long-standing issue on the UNSC agenda”. 

Zakaria was asked about the reported offer made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the SCO Summit earlier this month. 

Asked for a reaction, Baglay said, “No offer of mediation was made by Russia to India. Russia is very well aware of India’s consistent position to address all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an environment free of terrorism and violence.” 

A senior diplomat in the Russian embassy here also rejected reports of any mediation offer and described it as “wishful thinking” by Pakistan. “We do not have any information of such an offer made by our President. Russia is clear in its position that Indo-Pak issues need to be resolved, bilaterally, and we will never ever suggest anything contrary to that,” the diplomat said.