Pak media has the mentality of distorting facts: MEA on Pakistan's claim on PM Modi's letter

Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed Pakistan's claim that said PM Modi wrote a letter to Imran Khan expressing a desire to resume talks between the two countries.

Addressing a press conference, MEA spokesperson clarified that the letter sent by India was under established democratic protocol.

He also added that the letter stressed India's objective of maintainingcooperative relationships with all nations in South Asia.

Raveesh Kumar said, "There is no change in our position. We wrote a letter under the established democratic protocol of replying to congratulatory messages. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was also given a reply. Our EAM also replied to his counterpart."

Further reiteratingIndia's stance over talks with Pakistan Kumar said the contents of the letter clarified that "terror and violence-free environment was necessary for normal and cooperative relation with the countries".

"The letter said that a terror and violence free environment is necessary for normal and cooperative relation with the countries. We only reiterated our stand in the letter. There was nothing in that letter that spoke about "talks" (between India and Pakistan)", he said."

"I think we've made it clear time and again that Pakistan has to take action which is irreversible. Unless we are convinced that action has been taken on the ground, and not the temporary action which we have seen several times in the past. We won't be fooled by some cosmetic action, " he added.

Raveesh Kumar also added that the letter by PM Modi to his Pakistani counterpart also included talks on early operationalisation of Kartarpur Corridor.

"In the letter that PM Narendra Modi wrote to Pakistan PM Imran Khan had mentioned about Kartarpur Corridor as well. It was written that 'We will continue to work for early operationalisation of Kartarpur Corridor, functional all year round', " he said.

Hitting out at Pakistan, Kumar said Pak media has the mentality of distorting facts.

"We have seen the mentality of distorting facts in Pakistan media in this case, like how they distorted this simple straight-forward letter. Letter says that India wants to maintain cooperative relation with all nations in South Asia".

MEA spokesperson also talked about the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Kumar said, "It'll be first high-level engagement with United States after elections in India. During his visit, he will hold talks with the External Affairs Minister and he will also call on other dignitaries in Government of India."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is scheduled to visit India from June 25-27.