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India rebuts Pak accusation of belligerence

India on Tuesday delivered a strong rebuttal to the observation of Pakistan's high commissioner in the United Kingdom that India and Pakistan are on the verge of war.

"It gives an impression," external affairs ministry spokeswoman Nirupama Rao retorted, "that it is all a one-sided affair and it's India which is guilty, while Pakistan is peace-loving."

She was responding to a query about some remarks made by the high commissioner in London.

Asked if the troop mobilisation on the border was not a precursor of war, the spokeswoman replied, "We are entitled legitimately, in fact it is our sovereign right, to defend our interest, specially when we have been threatened by forces across the border."

"I totally reject the charge that it is we who are war-like, and it is we who are belligerent," she said. "There is absolutely no substance in that charge."

In reply to another question, the spokeswoman said the ground was being prepared for further diplomatic initiatives to build up support for India's position on cross-border terrorism in the international community.

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