India responses to Pakistan's decision to downgrade bilateral ties

NEW DELHI - India on Thursday responded to Pakistan's decision to downgrade bilateral ties, saying the decision was "not supported by facts on the ground."

"We have seen reports that Pakistan has decided to take certain unilateral actions in respect to its bilateral relations with India. This includes the downgrading of our diplomatic relations. The intention behind these measures is obviously to present an alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties. The reasons cited by Pakistan are not supported by facts on the ground," said a press release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs.

The press release said "the government of India regrets the steps announced by Pakistan yesterday and would urge that country to review them so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved."

Pakistan on Wednesday informed India to withdraw its high commissioner after the country decided to downgrade diplomatic relations and suspend trade ties with India amid recent Kashmir tensions.

On Monday, an official notification was issued in the name of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, revoking the special status to Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Fakhar Imam, chairman of Pakistan's National Assembly's Committee on Kashmir, while addressing a joint session on Wednesday, said that Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council, and the Indian move posed a great threat to peace, security and stability in South Asia.