India says Pakistan’s criticism reflects ‘trust deficit’

Rao disappointed by Islamabad's outspoken criticism on Obama's endorsement of India for a permanent seat in UNSC.

Reacting sharply to Pakistan’s remarks over New Delhi’s endorsement by the US for UN Security Council, India has expressed its “disappointment” and said the comments reflect 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,” said foreign secretary Nirupama Rao in an interview to the Press Trust of India.

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 the United States would take a “moral view and not base itself on any temporary expediencies or exigencies of power politics.”

“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.

Terming Obama’s support for India’s bid for UNSC as a political statement, the foreign secretary 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.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s permanent envoy to the UN, Abdullah Hussain Haroon said India will never be able to secure a permanent seat at the UN Security Council unless China and Russia back it, the IANS news agency reported.

“Without veto power, India will not be of any threat to Pakistan even if it manages to enter UNSC as a permanent member,” Haroon told reporters at Hyderabad in Sindh province.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22nd, 2010.