India reiterated that its national position was and remains that issue related to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is entirely an internal matter of India

New York: After 'Closed Consultations' on the revocation of special status from Kashmir at the United Nations Security Council in New York, India on Friday slammed Pakistan for failing to honour bilateral pacts with India and it needs to stop terror in order to resume peace talks. Hitting back at Pakistan as well as its all-weather ally China, India reiterated that its national position was and remains that issue related to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is entirely an internal matter of India.

While speaking to media, Syed Akbaruddin, India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council stated, "I am here, as after the end of closed-door consultations. We noted that two states who made national statements tried to pass them off as will of the international community."

He went on to assert that the Indian government's decision to revoke special status from Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter of India. However, one particular concern is that one state is using the terminology of 'jihad' and promoting violence against India and such ideologies have been propagated by certain leaders of that state, he added.

Talking about the misinformation being spread on the Kashmir issue, Syed Akbaruddin said there are some elements who are trying to project an alarmist approach to the situation which is far from the ground realities.

"These have no external ramifications, the recent decisions taken by the Government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, social-economic development is enhanced for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh."

"We're committed to gradually removing all restrictions. Since the change is internal to India, we have not made any difference to our external orientation. India remains committed to ensure that the situation there (J&K) remains calm and peaceful," added the Indian Ambassador to the UN.

He, however, stressed that any issues between India and Pakistan or any other country will be resolved bilaterally and peacefully.