New Delhi: On Thursday, India reaffirmed that any discussions with Pakistan must be conducted bilaterally. The country also emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain suspended until Pakistan effectively renounces its support for cross-border terrorism.

During a weekly media briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated, "Bilateral engagement between India and Pakistan is essential. However, it is important to note that dialogue and terrorism cannot coexist. We are open to discussing the extradition of known terrorists to India, as previously communicated to Pakistan."

He further clarified that any discussions regarding Jammu and Kashmir would only focus on the withdrawal of Pakistani forces from Indian territory. Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, he reiterated that it would remain inactive until Pakistan genuinely and permanently abandons its support for terrorism. As the Prime Minister has articulated, 'water and blood cannot flow together, nor can trade and terror coexist.'

India's assertive response followed remarks from Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who suggested Saudi Arabia as a neutral location for potential talks with India, proposing that the United States could facilitate the mediation.

In a press conference in Islamabad, Sharif indicated that any future discussions would occur at the National Security Advisors (NSA) level, focusing on issues such as Kashmir, water rights, terrorism, and trade.

He noted that tensions between the two nations have been gradually easing since military officials from both sides began communicating.

Sharif stated, "If discussions take place, Pakistan's NSA will lead the delegation. Saudi Arabia could serve as a neutral ground, with the US overseeing the mediation. However, India has yet to agree to any neutral venue for talks."

He reiterated that the agenda would encompass Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism as central themes.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's unwavering position against terrorism, asserting that there would be no dialogue or trade with Pakistan unless it relinquishes its illegal claims over Kashmir.

"If any discussions are to occur, they will focus on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Should Pakistan continue to support terrorism, it will find itself in dire straits, receiving no water from India," he declared at a large rally in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

PM Modi also warned that "playing with the blood of Indians will have severe consequences for Pakistan."