New Delhi, August 8 (NDTV): With Pakistan deciding to downgrade bilateral relations with India over the abrogation of Article 370, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said the neighbouring country’s move was an attempt to present an alarming picture to the world.
Calling Pakistan’s decision short-sighted, India said the stance was not based on facts. “The intention behind such measures is obviously to present an alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties. The reasons cited by Pakistan are not supported by facts on the ground,” the MEA said in a statement on Thursday.
Ministry of External Affairs said that the Government of India regrets the steps announced by Pakistan yesterday and would urge that country to review them so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved.
Speaking to India Today TV, a source in the government said that India will maintain status quo on the suspension of trade with Pakistan.
After the Pulwama terror attack in February, India had withdrawn Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status and hiked duties on import to nearly 200 per cent.
(The featured image at the top shows the Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar)
