MEA: Willing to discuss J-K within the framework of Simla Agreement, Lahore Declaration

The government has categorically stated that it is willing to discuss the issue of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan, as long as it falls under the frameworks of the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration.

This statement came in response to Pakistan's remarks that the Indo- Pak dialogue without discussions on Kashmir was "unacceptable".

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, "we have made it very clear that we will engage in the framework of Simla agreement and Lahore Declaration and both these provide for discussing all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. Our view is very clear, a bilateral framework to discuss all outstanding issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir."

India had called off Foreign Secretary level talks between the countries, which were scheduled for August 25, telling Pakistan to either choose to talk to the representatives of the government or a dialogue with separatists.

India also objected to Pakistan terming the separatists as "stakeholders" in the Kashmir issue saying that, as per Simla Agreement, it was a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.