Russia never offered to mediate between India, Pakistan: MEA (Lead)

New Delhi, June 15: The government on Thursday categorically denied that Russia had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan.

In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay also said that Russia was aware of India's position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan needed to be addressed bilaterally.

"No offer of mediation between India and Pakistan was made by Russia to India," the spokesperson said.

"It is my understanding that Russia is very well aware of India's consistent position to address all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an environment free of terrorism and violence," Baglay added.

India's reaction came after Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said during a briefing that his country appreciated Russia's "attention and intention to play a role in this longstanding issue".

Zakaria said this when asked if Russian President Vlamidir Putin, during his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the SCO, had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve issues between the two countries. 

"Pakistan welcomes UNSC Permanent Member, Russia's attention and intention to play a role in this longstanding issue on the UNSC agenda," Zakaria said.