Opposition parties’ meet on Doklam, Kashmir | Everyone expressed strong support for India's approach, says MEA

The Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday called Opposition parties meet on the stand-off with China and the situation in Kashmir in New Delhi. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar were also present during the meet.

Representatives from Opposition parties attended the meet. The prominent leaders who attended meet were Ram Vilas Paswan, Anand Sharma, Derek O Brien and Sitaram Yechury.

MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said that senior Union Ministers briefed all national political parties on Doklam situation. All parties greatly appreciated the detailed briefing.

“All participants expressed strong support for India's approach and also for the need for national unity. Importance of India and China to remain engaged through diplomacy was underlined,” said Baglay.

"There was widespread appreciation of the Astana understanding between India and China that differences between them shouldn't become disputes. The unique nature of very close and longstanding India – Bhutan relationship was recognised," said MEA Spox.

The DG PIB F Noronha said that basic purpose was to apprise MPs from different parties about situation on terrorist attack on Amarnath Yatris on July 10.

"Above 19 MPs from different parties were present and those who have not been called today will be called tomorrow at the same time," said Naroha.

"EAM and Foreign Secretary gave detailed information on border issues, especially on Doklam. Everybody promised to support government," said Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan.

"National security is priority of INC, advised them to tackle situation diplomatically, rising above politics for national interest," said Congress leader Anand Sharma.

"Asked serious questions. Why was government unprepared and if this was their failure? We didn't get answers we were looking for," said TMC leader Derek O Brien.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said that government said that they will tackle the situation through dialogues and they also gave a clarification on the security lapses.