EAM Jaishankar Refutes Trump's Claim of Mediating India-Pakistan Ceasefire
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has firmly denied former US President Donald Trump's assertion of playing a role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Speaking in the Netherlands, Jaishankar clarified that the recent ceasefire agreement was a direct result of dialogue exclusively between the two nations, without any third-party intervention. This statement reiterates India's long-standing position on bilateral engagement with Pakistan for resolving disputes.
Unpacked:
Donald Trump claimed that he played a role in mediating the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, suggesting that the United States had a hand in brokering the recent peace initiative.
India maintains that its disputes with Pakistan, especially over sensitive issues like Kashmir, should be resolved through direct bilateral dialogue, rejecting any third-party mediation to safeguard its sovereignty and prevent internationalization of the issue.
The United States has historically offered to mediate or facilitate talks between India and Pakistan, but India has consistently declined such offers, reiterating its policy of bilateralism. However, the US sometimes plays a behind-the-scenes diplomatic role.
Key issues include the Kashmir dispute, cross-border terrorism, trade, water sharing, and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control. These topics are recurring points of contention in their bilateral relationship.