India rejects UN Secretary General's offer to mediate on Kashmir issue 

"India's position has not changed. Jammu & Kashmir has been, is and will continue to be an integral part of India. The issue that needs to be addressed is that of vacation of the territories illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan.  Further issues, if any, would be discussed bilaterally. There is no role or scope for third party mediation," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in his statement.

In his statement, Kumar further said: "We hope the UN Secretary-General would emphasize on the imperative for Pakistan to take credible, sustained and irreversible action to put an end to cross-border terrorism against India, which threatens the most fundamental human right - the right to life, of the people of India, including in J&K."

Guterres is currently visiting Pakistan.

Guterres on Sunday said nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan should "de-escalate, both militarily and verbally".

While talking about Jammu and Kashmir and tensions along Line of Control, Guterres was quoted as saying by Dawn News that he was "deeply concerned", adding that he has "repeatedly stressed the importance of exercising maximum restraint".

 "Diplomacy and dialogue remain the only tools that guarantee peace and stability with solutions in accordance with the Charter of United Nations and resolutions of the Security Council," Guterres was quoted as saying by the Pakistan-based newspaper, adding that he has repeatedly "reiterated his offer to exercise my good offices should both sides ask."