Pakistan should vacate Indian territory instead of spreading lies: MEA

A day after Pakistan rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks during a podcast as “misleading” and “one-sided”, New Delhi said on Tuesday that the neighbouring country should vacate the Indian territory under its illegal occupation instead of "spreading lies".

 "We note that Pakistan has once again made some comments about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The world knows that the real issue is Pakistan’s active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

Terming it as the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region, Jaiswal said: “Instead of spreading lies, Pakistan should vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation."

Modi in an interaction with renowned US podcaster Lex Fridman said every attempt made by India to foster peace with Pakistan had been met with hostility and betrayal.

Modi recalled that he had invited then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sherif for his swearing-in ceremony in 2014 with the hope that both India and Pakistan could turn a new leaf in their relations.

"Yet, every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. We sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace," he said.

The prime minister also expressed hope that wisdom would prevail on the leadership of the neighbouring country to improve bilateral ties.

Pakistan on Monday rejected these remarks as "misleading and one-sided". Islamabad also raked up the Jammu and Kashmir issue in its rebuttal.