The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday emphasized that invitations between nations are contingent upon the state of bilateral relations, responding to queries on whether any Indian government officials were invited to the Iftar dinner hosted by the Pakistan High Commission to mark Pakistan’s National Day.
Addressing the media during the weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, “Nimantran toh rishton pe nirbhar karta hai” (invitations depend on the relationship between the countries). Accepting an invitation also depends on the relationship.”
The comments came after the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi hosted an Iftar gathering on Thursday as part of its annual observance of Pakistan’s National Day. The event was attended by dignitaries, diplomats, and prominent personalities, including former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, who was present as a guest. The gathering aimed to foster diplomatic engagement and cultural exchange.
However, alongside discussions on diplomatic courtesies, India reiterated its strong stance against Pakistan’s role in promoting cross-border terrorism, which remains a significant obstacle to regional peace and stability.
“The world clearly knows that the real issue is Pakistan’s active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact, this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region,” Jaiswal stated.
Jaiswal’s remarks underscored the long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding Islamabad’s support for terrorist organizations operating in the region. India has consistently called on Pakistan to take decisive action against these groups.
Referring to Pakistan’s recent comments on Jammu and Kashmir, Jaiswal directed the media to a previous statement issued by the MEA. “I urge you to refer to the statement we released two days ago for more information,” he added.
The MEA’s response follows Pakistan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, which came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed India-Pakistan relations in a podcast interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman.
In the interview, PM Modi reflected on his efforts to improve ties with Pakistan, including inviting then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in 2014 and making a surprise visit to Lahore in 2015 in an attempt to foster goodwill.
“I even personally traveled to Lahore in the pursuit of peace. When I became Prime Minister, I specially invited Pakistan to my swearing-in ceremony so we could turn over a new leaf. Yet, every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal,” PM Modi stated in the podcast.
His comments came just days after Pakistan’s foreign office issued a statement criticizing India in the wake of the attack on the Jaffar Express train by Baloch rebels, in which passengers were taken hostage. In response to PM Modi’s remarks on the podcast, Pakistan’s foreign office issued a statement rebuffing his comments.
(Inputs from ANI)