Indo-Pak talks: MEA rules out third party mediation

This came a day after Saudi Arabia claimed that its King Abdullah was trying to resolve differences with Pakistan.

India on Thursday ruled out third party mediation to resolve its differences with Pakistan.

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This came a day after Saudi Arabia claimed that its King Abdullah was trying to resolve differences with Pakistan.

"India and Pakistan are discussing all bilateral issues bilaterally under the Composite Dialogue process, as you are aware, and there is no scope for mediation by any third party," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said when asked about the Saudi claim.

Saudi Crown Prince Sultan, who is also Deputy the Prime Minister, was quoted by state-run SPA news agency on Wednesday as having said, "King Abdullah has set in motion efforts to mediate between India and Pakistan. We hope that he will succeed in his efforts."

National Security Adviser MK Narayanan, who returned from Saudi Arabia about ten days back, said third party mediation is "not possible".

He, however, said India was "willing to listen to anyone", pointing out that "there are lot of people trying to help out".