Cautious about India’s sensitivities in the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through it, Russia on Tuesday denied media reports from Pakistan that it is engaged in some “secret talks” with Pakistan on the creation of CPEC.

“Reports appearing in Pakistan media about some ‘secret talks’ between Russia and Pakistan on the creation of CPEC do not correspond to the realities. The possibility of Russia joining this initiative is not being discussed with Islamabad. Our trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan has its own value. We aim for its further strengthening. The implementation by Russian companies of business projects in IRP (Islamic Republic of Pakistan), including the construction of North-South gas pipeline from Karachi to lahore, are implemented on bilateral basis,” said a statement from Moscow that was circulated by the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.

The Russian Government clarification came after media reports from Pak claimed that Russia’s Federal Security Services chief, Alexander Bogdanov, met top Pak officials in a ‘secret meeting’ and reportedly requested to join the CPEC. Media reports also claimed that the Pak Government has given Russia a go ahead to join CPEC and granted Russia access to Arabian Sea through its Gwadar Sea Port.

It is learnt that Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during his tour to Turkmenistan, himself made a statement in this regard and welcomed Russia’s decision to join CPEC. He said that a formal agreement in this regard will be signed shortly.