Despite the ceasefire between India and Pakistan along the border, the diplomatic conflict between the two nations remains ongoing. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the two countries and also offered mediation on the “thousands of years old” Kashmir issue. While Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed this offer, India rejected any third-party mediation.
India Rejects Third-Party Mediation on Kashmir
According to sources from the Ministry of External Affairs, India has made it clear that its stance on the Kashmir issue is unambiguous, and it does not accept the interference of any third party. India emphasized that if Pakistan is willing to hand over terrorists, the door for dialogue is open. However, India made it clear that only the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) could be discussed. There is no room for discussions on other matters, and India does not want any external mediation.
Trump’s Mediation Offer on Kashmir
Earlier, U.S. President Trump expressed his eagerness to work with both India and Pakistan to find a solution to the Kashmir dispute, describing it as a “thousands of years old issue.” His comments came a day after he claimed that the U.S. had brokered a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan Welcomes Trump’s Offer
In response to Trump’s offer, the Pakistani government issued a statement saying, “We appreciate President Trump’s willingness to support efforts for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, as it is a long-standing issue with deep implications for peace and security in South Asia and beyond.” Islamabad further emphasized that any just and lasting resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue should be in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and should ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people.
In his first reaction after the agreement to reduce tensions between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that he believes that the broader issues between the two countries, including Kashmir, water distribution, and other contentious matters, should also be addressed.
India’s Firm Stance on Kashmir
India has consistently rejected any form of mediation on the Kashmir issue, asserting that it is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan. However, India has now taken a firmer stance, stating that the Kashmir issue is no longer up for negotiation. The focus will now be on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and any talks can only proceed if Pakistan agrees to hand over terrorists or address the issue of PoK.
