'India stalling dialogue with Pakistan to avoid negotiations on Kashmir'

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday claimed that India is deliberately stalling dialogue process with its neighbouring country in order to avoid negotiations on issues like Kashmir.

Contradicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement in which he placed the onus of the stalled bilateral talks on Pakistan, Aziz asserted that Pakistan never refrained from talks with India.

He said Pakistan had plans for extensive talks with India on several issues such as Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, economic cooperation, trade, visas and the detaining of fishermen, among others.

Aziz went on to say that the Indian Army had rejected an earlier agreement regarding Siachen between the two governments, as they had stakes in the glacier.

The adviser had earlier said he was doubtful of progress towards normalisation of ties, and suggested that the situation be managed to prevent tensions.

In a recent TV interview, Modi had said that due to his diplomatic efforts, the world had seen that India was not reluctant to engage with Pakistan.

"Our approach has created difficulties for Pakistan, and they find it hard to respond on the matter in the international community," said Modi.

(With agency inputs)