The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that the return of eight Indian diplomats, who have been accused of alleged anti-Pakistan activities by Islamabad, is a “procedural matter”, while maintaining that they were “falsely implicated”.

“As to the question of their return to India, this is procedural matter. The government will take all necessary further steps keeping all aspects of the situation in view,” MEA Spokesperson said here Thursday.

With the fate of these eight officials hanging fire, Swarup refused to divulge any further details of whether and how the government plans to bring them back.

“The government also protests strongly to the manner in which names and photos of the eight Indian officials, four of them holders of diplomatic passport, have been published. This is against basic norms of diplomatic practice and courtesy,” he said.

He added that these officials were involved in promoting people-to-people and trade and economic contacts between the two countries. He said their removal will adversely impact the activities of the High Commission.

“It is especially regrettable that Pakistani authorities have chosen to level these allegations after deciding to recall, on their own, six officials of the Pakistan High Commission, some of whom may have been named to Indian authorities by Mehmood Akhtar,” Swarup added. Akhtar was apprehended by Delhi Police last month for allegedly indulging in activities that could have compromised the country’s security.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW