India, China talk tough on Kashmir ahead of PM Modi, Xi Jinping meeting
New Delhi : It would be in eveerybody's best interest if external countries remain out from the internal matters of India, said External Affairs Minister after Chinese President Xi Jinping met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and claimed that he is closely watching the Kashmir situation.
"We have seen the report regarding the meeting of Chinese President Xi Jinping with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, which also refers to their discussions on Kashmir," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "India's position has been consistent and clear that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. China is well aware of our position. It is not for other countries to comment on the internal affairs of India."
On Wednesday, Xi Jinping met Imran Khan and assured him his all support on issues related to its "core interests". State-owned Xinhua News Agency also quoted him as saying that although the "right and wrong" of the situation were clear, India and Pakistan should resolve the situation through peaceful dialogue.
The comments from Xi Jinping become awkward as he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai for an informal summit later this week. "The forthcoming Chennai Informal Summit will provide the two leaders with an opportunity to continue their discussions on overarching issues of bilateral, regional and global importance, and exchange views on deepening India-China Closer Development Partnership," the government has said in a statement.
In a joint statement by China and Pakistan, Xi Jinping declared that Kashmir is an issue of history and must be resolved based on the UN Charter.
China, the statement read, is "paying close attention to the current situation in Jammu & Kashmir".
"China opposes any unilateral actions that complicate the situation. The two sides underlined that a peaceful, stable, cooperative and prosperous South Asia was in common interest of all parties. Parties need to settle disputes and issues in the region through dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect," the statement further said.
