Following rare words of praise from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Government of India issued a response.
A day earlier, at a public rally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Imran Khan had praised India for following an independent foreign policy. The comments were made in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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He had said, "We don't want to fight wars. We want an independent nation. My nation's foreign policy should serve the interests of my people. I praise our neighbouring nation India. India always followed an independent foreign policy. Today, India has an alliance with the US under Quad. India says it is neutral and has bought oil from Russia, despite sanctions. India's policy is for betterment of its people."
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Despite close relations with Western powers like America, India has abstained from voting against Russia at the United Nations.
India's foreign secretary was asked about Imran Khan's comments at a press briefing. Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, "To say that one person would be wrong. I think we have received praise across the board for many of our foreign policy initiatives at the level of the prime minister. I think our record speaks for itself."