National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has dismissed suggestions that he had bypassed External Affairs Ministry by directly talking to Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit last month amid escalation of tensions on the border. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai yesterday, Mr. Doval said it was an emergency situation and absolutely necessary to tell Pakistan without any loss of time that if they do not stop, India will retaliate.<br/><br/>Mr. Doval said, there is no question of embarrassing anyone. He said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was not available at that time. The NSA was reported to have spoken to Basit thrice in two days in July following repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan. Mr. Doval also refuted suggestions that the PMO dictates the terms in all matters.