We don't need lessons on morality from Pak: India

Image: Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir in New Delhi
Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

Reacting sharply to Pakistan's critical remarks over India's endorsement by the United States for United Nations Security Council, India has expressed its 'disappointment' and said they reflected the 'trust deficit' between the two countries.

"Yes, I would say I am disappointed. And I think it is a reflection of the trust deficit between our two countries," Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said.

America should take a moral view: Pak

Image: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi greets Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao during an informal dinner
Photographs: Reuters

Rao was asked if she was disappointed by Islamabad's outspoken criticism about US President Barack Obama's endorsement of India for a permanent seat in the UNSC.

Criticising the US move, the Pakistan Foreign Office had said 'endorsement of India's bid' would add to the complexity of the Council's reforms process and hoped that America would take a "moral view and not base itself on any temporary expediencies or exigencies of power politics."

'I do not think we should be receiving lessons from Pakistan on morality'

Image: A man waves the Indian tricolour near the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai
Photographs: Reuters

"I think where India and Pakistan are concerned -- and I believe Pakistan should understand our approach very well -- we have reached out to Pakistan on a number of occasions in the recent past. We have offered dialogue. We have expressed our readiness to discuss all outstanding issues. And I do not think we should be receiving lessons from Pakistan on morality," Rao said.

Obama's visit a 'great success'

Image: US President Barack Obama with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Photographs: Reuters

Terming Obama's support for India's bid for UNSC as a political statement, the foreign secretary, in an interview to Karan Thapar for CNBC TV18, said it was a statement with symbolism and substance.

Describing the Presidential visit as a 'great success', Rao also welcomed the US decision to lift the ban on export controls relating to dual-use items, saying it was a "very, very important and substantive step".

'We can afford that degree of candour'

Image: US President Barack Obama addresses the Parliament
Photographs: Reuters

Downplaying Obama's remarks that increased power comes with increased responsibility and India should not shy away from taking a hard stance on issues like human rights violation in Myanmar, Rao said he spoke frankly.

"He spoke with candour. But I think between friends and partners we can afford that degree of candour and openness," she said.

'Southeast Asia begins in north-east India'

Image: Voters wait to cast their ballots at a polling station in Sittwe, Rakhine state in Myanmar
Photographs: Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters

"When it comes to Myanmar, we have been very open ourselves in relaying to the US what it is that drives our relationship with that country today. We share a contiguous border with Myanmar. We have concerns of security," she said.

"We would like to build connectivity because really Southeast Asia begins in north-east India. Therefore, obviously we would like inclusive political change in Myanmar," Rao said.

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