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India cancels talks with Pakistan over Kashmir row | India cancels talks with Pakistan over Kashmir row |
(about 4 hours later) | |
India has cancelled talks with Pakistan after accusing it of interfering in India's internal affairs. | India has cancelled talks with Pakistan after accusing it of interfering in India's internal affairs. |
It comes after Pakistan's high commissioner in Delhi consulted Kashmiri separatist leaders ahead of the talks, which were agreed in May. | |
The two countries' foreign secretaries were to meet next week in Islamabad to discuss the resumption of formal dialogue. | |
Pakistan described the Indian decision as a "setback". | Pakistan described the Indian decision as a "setback". |
"It is a longstanding practice that, prior to Pakistan-India talks, meetings with Kashmiri leaders are held to facilitate meaningful discussions on the issue of Kashmir," a statement from the Pakistani foreign ministry said. | "It is a longstanding practice that, prior to Pakistan-India talks, meetings with Kashmiri leaders are held to facilitate meaningful discussions on the issue of Kashmir," a statement from the Pakistani foreign ministry said. |
Relations seemed to be on the up when new Indian PM Narendra Modi invited his Pakistani counterpart to his swearing-in ceremony. | |
But, say correspondents, the cancellation is an indication of the tough new approach adopted by his government towards Pakistan. | |
Last week Mr Modi accused Pakistan of waging a proxy war against India in Kashmir. | Last week Mr Modi accused Pakistan of waging a proxy war against India in Kashmir. |
'Unacceptable' | |
Pakistan's High Commissioner Abdul Basit announced plans to meet Kashmiri separatists in Delhi last week. | |
On Monday, Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh warned Mr Basit against it, saying he could either have a dialogue with India or talk with the separatists. | |
India reacted with fury when it became clear the Pakistani envoy had gone ahead with the consultation. | |
India's Foreign Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said Delhi told Mr Basit "that Pakistan's continued efforts to interfere in India's internal affairs were unacceptable". | |
He added that the action "raises questions about Pakistan's sincerity and undermines the constructive diplomatic efforts" initiated by India. | He added that the action "raises questions about Pakistan's sincerity and undermines the constructive diplomatic efforts" initiated by India. |
"No useful purpose" would be served by the foreign secretary's visit to Islamabad, the spokesman said. | |
Reports said Mr Basit was scheduled to meet more Kashmiri separatist leaders on Tuesday. | |
The US has described the cancellation of talks as "unfortunate". A State Department spokesman said it was "important that both sides still continue take steps to improve relations". | |
India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring militants in the disputed region - though despite a recent spike, overall the violence has declined since the early 2000s. | India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring militants in the disputed region - though despite a recent spike, overall the violence has declined since the early 2000s. |
Relations plunged again over the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack. | Relations plunged again over the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack. |
Claimed by both countries in its entirety, Kashmir has been a flashpoint for more than 60 years. The South Asian rivals have fought two wars and a limited conflict over the region. | Claimed by both countries in its entirety, Kashmir has been a flashpoint for more than 60 years. The South Asian rivals have fought two wars and a limited conflict over the region. |