Indo-Pak tensions a 'bilateral issue': Defence Experts on US proposal

Turning down the proposal of the United States to mediate between India and Pakistan to deescalate the tensions between the two Asian neighbours, Defence Expert P.K. Sehgal on Tuesday said it is purely a bilateral issue, which will be resolved without any foreign influence.

"India is unlikely to agree to it. After the 1971 war, there was the Shimla agreement in which it was categorically stated that this is purely a bilateral issue and it will be resolved without any foreign mediation," he told ANI.

Sehgal further said that though Pakistan has been very keen on mediation by the United Nations or European Union, but India is firm not to take the help of anyone.

Commenting on whether the United Nations can mediate on this issue, he added, "Our previous experience with the United Nations has not been very happy."

Another defence expert Ranjeet Rai said that India and Pakistan have differences over several issues, adding that nothing can be done about it.

"Trump says many things, but we have to see whether he can succeed on this very difficult issue especially after the surgical strike that India carried out in Pakistan," he said.

Rai said that Pakistan and China share numerous economic interests, adding the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States may influence this issue.

United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, had earlier said that the Trump administration will try to be part of efforts to deescalate tensions between India and Pakistan.

It was the first comment by a member of the Trump Administration on escalating tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.