“Want friendly relations, but…” India reacts to Pak PM’s “war is not an option” remark

Aug 03, 2023

New Delhi, Aug 03 (ANI): Reacting to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s “war is not an option” remark, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on August 03 said that we want friendly relations with all the neighbouring countries including Pakistan. Arindam Bagchi said, “We have seen the reports. India’s position is consistent in that we want friendly relations with all the countries including Pakistan...But for this an environment free of terror and hostility is imperative...” Recently, Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the Pakistan Minerals Summit in Islamabad. He said that “We are prepared to talk with everyone, even with our neighbour, provided that they are serious about talking serious matters on the table because war is no more an option,” Further speaking on US state department’s comment on the Haryana incident he said that “You are aware of the measures taken by the local authorities to put a stop to violence and to restore peace. The comments by the state department we saw also refer to the same...We would like to see a return to normalcy and peace...” Recently, speaking on the Haryana incident, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urged calm in the clash-hit Nuh and also urged parties to refrain from violent actions.