External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has again categorically stated India’s relations and engagements with Pakistan will be purely bilateral and rejected every offer of mediation coming from the outside world, such as that of former US President Donald Trump. His statements follow Trump’s recent claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan as well as making an offer to facilitate talks on the long-standing Kashmir dispute.
While addressing the media on Thursday, Jaishankar said, “Our relations and dealings with Pakistan will be strictly bilateral”. That is the national consensus for years, and there will be no change there.”
This statement follows Trump on May 11, tweeting on Truth Social to boast his administration had been instrumental in negotiating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after increased tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor. The operation, which was initiated on May 7, struck at terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan’s Punjab province, killing more than 100 terrorists.
Nevertheless, Indian military officials immediately disputed Trump’s allegations. The DGMO, Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, disclosed that it was after a direct intent from his Pakistani colleague that the de-escalation was to be carried out. India’s stand was clear: there was no foreign participation in regard to the ceasefire talks.
Trump’s uninvited offer to mediate on the Kashmir issue was appreciated by Pakistan but completely turned down by India. New Delhi has reiterated the old policy of resolving all problems with Pakistan, including Kashmir, bilaterally, strictly following the principles of the Shimla Agreement of 1972.
India has been insistent on the fact that neither third-party intervention is needed, nor is it even acceptable, as a sovereign India tries to resolve diplomatic conflicts in the region.
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