'India will not accept mediation in its internal matters', VP Naidu decries attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue

New Delhi, August 22: Decrying attempts to spread misinformation and internationalize the re-structuring of the Jammu & Kashmir state which is purely an administrative matter, VP M Vekaiah Naidu while addressing the heads of Estonian diplomatic missions on the last day of his tri-nation tour to the Baltic Region, said that the issue was within the purview of the Indian government.

 

"India would not accept interference or mediation in the internal affairs of the country. Restructuring of Jammu Kashmir state is aimed at improving governance and fostering inclusive and equitable growth. This decision was taken by the Indian parliament with an overwhelming majority cutting across party lines”, he said.

 

 

Naidu further said that attempts by our neighbouring country to spread misinformation was totally unwarranted and that this kind of meddling with other nation’s internal administration doesn’t bode well for world peace.

 

“Misinformation, disinformation and malicious, hateful rhetoric exacerbate tensions. In a world that has committed to achieve an ambitious, transformative agenda of sustainable development by 2030, these irritants can retard the progress substantially”, he said.

 

The Vice President also outlined a few perspectives that have been guiding India’s engagement with the world, Samvad, Samruddhi,Suraksha, Sanskriti, and Samman.

“We believe that we must have an inclusive, open and free system that treats all nations equally and fairly and aims to create mutually- beneficial platforms for cooperation. We wish to see a world order that ensures security and growth for all”, he affirmed.

 

Focusing on the trade modules within, the Vice President said that the bilateral trade between India and Estonia was growing and stood at US$172 million at present. "Bilateral investments are however at a nascent level. There is great scope for deepening our engagement across sectors & for enhancing trade and investment in both directions", he said encouraging Indian companies to establish operations in Estonia taking advantage of technology,cybersecurity and e-governance expertise.