New Delhi: India has once again repeated its long-standing position that the Kashmir issue requires no third-party mediation, directly responding to a recent offer by US President Donald Trump to help broker peace between New Delhi and Islamabad.
While Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Trump’s overture, India’s stance is clear that the only outstanding matter is the “return of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)”.
Government sources in New Delhi made the Indian position clear, stating, “We have a very clear position on Kashmir, there is only one matter left, the return of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). There is nothing else to talk about. If they talk about handing over terrorists, we can talk. We don’t have any intention of any other topic. We don’t want anyone to mediate. We don’t need anyone to mediate.”
The diplomatic exchange unfolded after President Trump, on Sunday, praised both India and Pakistan for agreeing to de-escalate recent military tensions. He then offered his assistance on the Kashmir dispute, “I will work with you both to see if, after a “thousand years,” a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!”
Pakistan quickly embraced the offer. In a statement, Islamabad welcomed Trump’s willingness to mediate on what it described as a “longstanding dispute with serious implications for peace and security in South Asia and beyond.”
Appreciating the “constructive role played by the United States” in the ceasefire talks, the Pakistan government also “appreciate[d] President Trump’s expressed willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.” Pakistan further reiterated that any just and lasting settlement must align with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and ensure the “inalienable right to self-determination” for the Kashmiri people.
