No intention to add to strain in ties with Pakistan: Govt

NEW DELHI: Asserting that it acted in interest of national security in expelling a Pakistan High Commission official in October, Government today said it has no intention to add to the strain in ties with Pakistan caused by Islamabad's continued policy of cross-border terrorism.

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, said tension in the relationship between the two countries has been caused by Pakistan's continued policy of directing cross border terrorism against India and supporting other anti-India activities.

India had expelled Pakistan High Commission staffer Mehmood Akhtar on charges of spying, triggering a tit for tat action by Islamabad, which also expelled an Indian High Commission official posted there.


"In declaring Mehmood Akhtar persona non grata and asking for his return to Pakistan, the government acted in the interest of national security.

"It is not government's intention to add to the strain in the relationship with Pakistan, which is caused by the latter's continued policy of directing cross border terrorism against India and supporting other anti-India activities," Singh said.

Days after Mehmood's expulsion, Islamabad had recalled six staff members from its High Commission here.

Subsequently, India had withdrawn eight of its officials posted in Indian Embassy in Islamabad after Pakistan Foreign Ministry on November 3 alleged that they were found involved in subversive activities there.

India had rejected the charges as totally baseless and unsubstantiated, saying they represented an afterthought and a crude attempt to tarnish image.

Replying to a separate question, Singh said a total of 787 Indian fishermen were apprehended by Sri Lanka in the year 2014, 454 in 2015 and 254 were caught this year.