Defence Minister George Fernandes on Saturday said Pakistan's claim of Jammu and Kashmir being a disputed territory was 'not relevant'.
In an interview to NDTV television channel on Friday, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri had stated that the entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir is 'disputed territory'. He was responding to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's statement on Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
Asked when talks with Pakistan will resume, Fernandes said it will take 'some time'. "One does not wish to rush through without preparations."
On suggestions that the Line of Control can be converted into a permanent border as a solution to the Kashmir issue, he said, "The whole of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan occupied Kashmir is a part of India."
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