
As an indication of escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said in the joint session of the country’s parliament that he will not be attending the foreign ministers' meet of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) states over the invitation extended to India’s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, reports News18.
"I requested them (OIC) to review the decision [to invite Sushma Swaraj]. UAE said that when we extended the invitation, Pulwama had not occurred. If it had, the case would have been different. Now we have extended invitation it would be hard to retract, but they would still consult, " Qureshi reportedly said.
Swaraj was invited as a guest of honour despite Pakistan being a founding member of the Islamic grouping. In 1969, India’s delegation to the grouping was asked to withdraw after Pakistan threatened to boycott. Swaraj, who is in Abu Dhabi to attend the meet, is likely to raise the issue of terrorism.
This development comes amid heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan had responded to India’s air strike on a terror camp deep inside its territory by targeting military installations. In the air duel that followed, India shot down an F-16 fighter of the Pakistan Air Force and lost a MiG-21. Pakistan is set to release the pilot of the fighter who was captured after ejecting.
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.