Bhubaneswar, May 12 – Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal on Monday strongly dismissed claims of any dilution in India’s foreign policy, amid mounting questions from the Congress regarding possible third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue.
Addressing reporters, Samal responded to Congress allegations in the wake of recent US announcements that spoke of an understanding between India and Pakistan to refrain from military action along the border.
"It is obvious that we abide by the Simla Agreement. There should be no doubt about it, no deviation in it. We will not make any compromise on foreign affairs," said Samal, reinforcing India’s long-standing position against any external mediation on Kashmir.
The Congress, earlier in the day, had urged the Centre to clarify whether it had endorsed or engaged in third-party mediation concerning Kashmir. The party expressed concern that such a move would go against the principles laid down in the Simla Agreement.
Pointing to US President Donald Trump's repeated claims about playing a role in India-Pakistan discussions, the Congress stressed the need for a formal response from the central government to clear the air.
Samal, however, maintained that India's diplomatic stance remains unchanged and aligned with national interest.