FO slams Modi’s statements on Indian involvement in 1971 war

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Tuesday slammed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acknowledgement of his country’s involvement in the 1971 war, saying his statement confirms India's negative role against a sovereign neighbouring state.

In a press statement issued here today, a spokesperson for the Foreign Office said it was regrettable that “Indian politicians not only indulge in actions that are in violation of the United Nations' Charter but also take pride in recalling their interference in the internal affairs of other states”.

The spokesperson said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence and maintaining good neighborly relations with India, and that characterization of bilateral relations by Prime Minister Modi as ‘nuisance’ is unfortunate.

“The people of Pakistan and Bangladesh are bound not only by the strong bonds of religious affinity but also by the history of their struggle for independence against colonial rule. Indian attempts to sow seeds of discord between the two brotherly nations of Pakistan and Bangladesh will not succeed,” he stressed.

The Foreign Office spokesperson urged the international community to take note of Indian acknowledgement of its interference in Bangladesh, which was then East Pakistan.