NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Friday responded to questions about whether any Indian government official was invited to the Iftar dinner hosted at the Pakistan High Commission for Pakistan’s National Day on Thursday.
“Nimantran toh rishton pe nirbhar karta hai naa… (An invitation depends on relations)” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Jaiswal also reiterated India’s stance on Pakistan, referencing a statement issued by the ministry two days ago. He said, “The world clearly knows that the real issue is Pakistan’s active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact, this remains the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region.”
There was no representation from the Indian side at Pakistan National Day celebrations on Thursday for the second consecutive year. Addressing the event, Pakistan’s charge d’affaires Saad Warraich said Pakistan desires peaceful ties with India and that a new dawn could emerge through mutual understanding, addressing concerns, and resolving longstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Last year, Pakistan had invited several Indian government officials, but none attended. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s stance that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terrorism and that repeated Indian efforts for peace had been met with hostility.