India, May 6 -- India will continue to keep bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan suspended, but Pakistani athletes and teams will not be blocked from competing in multilateral events hosted in India under the government's latest policy clarification.

The position, outlined in a Sports Ministry circular to National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association, the Sports Authority of India and other stakeholders, keeps the bilateral ban intact while carving out a clear exemption for international tournaments involving multiple countries.

The ministry has stated that Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan for bilateral competitions. It has also said Pakistani teams will not be permitted to come to India for bilateral events.

The...