New Delhi: India on Thursday clarified that it has seen reports in Pakistan media about possible restoration of bilateral trade between the two countries in the wake of unprecedented floods in Pakistan but it has nothing more to add at the moment.
“As regards trade with Pakistan, we have seen various statements on this matter. At this time I have nothing further to add to those statements,” said Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi addressing weekly media briefing here.
Pakistan finance minister Miftah Ismail had recently said that his government could consider importing vegetables and other edible items from India to facilitate people after recent floods destroyed crops across the country.
Pakistan slashed trade ties with India in August 2019 after abrogation of Article 370 by the Narendra Modi government that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
India’s belligerent neighbour has been facing massive destruction due to floods and the government has appealed to the international community for help tackle the emergency that has killed more than 1000 people.
On a query about assistance to Pakistan at this hour, Bagchi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared his sadness at the devastation caused by floods in Pakistan.
He has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and all those affected by the natural calamity, he said.
Responding to a UNHRC report about maltreatment of minorities in Xinjiang of China, the official spokesperson said, “The report is about serious maltreatment of minorities in Xinjiang. But since it’s a UNHRC report so, for the moment, let the UN comment on it. I don’t have anything further to say on it, except to note that it’s about serious maltreatment of minorities.”
On a query about some reports claiming Chinese infrastructure in the Karakoram region, Bagchi said that he doesn’t have any information to specifically share about without knowing the details on the issue.
On comments by a German Envoy dismissing Chinese claims on Arunachal Pradesh, Bagchi said that India’s position on boundary issue is clear and consistent.
We believe that there is a proper appreciation of this in the international community, he added.
Bagchi confirmed that one person each in Kenya and Azerbaijan have been detained over murder of Sidhu Moosewala.
“Our authorities are in touch with officials in the two countries. How will the matter move further, I won’t be able to say right now,” he added.
India has been participating in Multilateral Exercises in Russia along with other countries. I understand there will be only Army participation in the Vostok Exercises, he said responding to another query.
