NEW DELHI: India’s envoy to UN surprised everyone with a gesture to a journalist from Pakistan who asked him when India would begin dialogue with Pakistan. Akbaruddin, the Indian envoy was briefing the media after the UNSC concluded its closed-door meeting to discuss India’s move to abrogate Article 370 that gave special status to Kashmir. A light-hearted moment was shared between Pakistani journos and Syed Akbaruddin when he walked up to the journalists and shook hands with them saying, “Let me start by coming across to you and shaking hands. All three of you."

"So let me tell you we have already extended our hand of friendship by saying we are committed to the Simla Agreement. Let us wait for a response on that from the Pakistani side. There are normal diplomatic ways when countries deal with each other. That is the way to do it. But using terror to thrive and push your goals is not the way that normal states behave. No democracy will acknowledge or accept talks when terror thrives. Stop terror, start talks", he said.

Akbaruddin came to the UN Security Council stakeout to give a statement on India's national position on Kashmir and Article 370 following the remarks by China and Pakistan.

Only China took a positive stand towards Pakistan in the Kashmir issue. As per several reports, the situation for Pakistan is not at all supportive for Pakistan at the UN.

After the meeting, the Indian envoy said abrogation of Article 370 is entirely internal and will have no external consequence. “The recent decisions taken by the Government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, social-economic development is enhanced for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” he said.