India to review 'Most Favoured Nation' status to Pakistan

In the wake of the current hostile situation between India and Pakistan, the Narendra Modi government has said that it sees no point in giving trade favours to Pakistan. India would now review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status accorded to Pakistan.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup made it clear that that MFN status granted to Pakistan was based on security and trade interests, and terror cannot be the commodity being exported instead.

"Promoting shared prosperity with neighbours has been the government's priority, but terror cannot be the commodity exported. We will undertake a review based on our security and trade interests," Swarup said.

He also said that the recent statement by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in which he hailed terror group Hizbul Mujahideen's poster boy Burhan Wani, shows Pakistan's complicity in terrorism directed against India and was "self implicating."

Swarup, however, declined to reveal the contents of the phone call between both the countries' National Security Advisor (NSA), first after the Uri attack and later after the Indian Army's surgical strikes. He reiterated that the PMs of both the countries had agreed in January to remain in touch. "India remains committed not to make it public," he added.

Previously, Pakistani media had quoted Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz as saying that India and Pakistan had agreed to reduce tensions during the NSA phone conversation.

Swarup also declined to comment on recent reports that PM Sharif had directed authorities to conclude investigation on the Pathankot terror attacks and 2008 Mumbai attacks. He had reportedly asked the Pakistani Army not to shield militant groups.