We are committed to discuss issues peacefully and bilaterally: India on NSA-level talks

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday sent across a strong message to Pakistan, insisting that there are only two stakeholders in the talks between India and Pakistan and added that New Delhi is committed to discuss the issues peacefully and bilaterally.

"There has been a pattern to Pakistan's approach after the UFA summit and today's position is a culmination of that approach," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swaroop told the media.

"Pakistan took 22 days to respond to Indian proposal to meet in New Delhi. It then proposed an agenda that was in variance completely with what the two Prime Ministers had agreed upon in UFA. Together, these two actions indicated its reluctance to go forward with sincerity on the agreed process," he further said.

Swaroop said that the Pakistani High Commissioner invited Hurriyat leaders to consult with the visiting NSA even before confirming either the program or the agenda.

"India has always held the position that there are only two stakeholders in our relationship, not three," he said.

"India remains committed to discussing issues with Pakistan peacefully and bilaterally. Unilateral impositions of new conditions and distortions of the agreed agenda cannot be the basis for going forward," he added.

Earlier, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it would be impossible for the country to accept the advice of the Government on India that Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security, may not meet the Hurriyat leaders.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to meet his Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz for the talks in the national capital on Sunday.